The saw companies are fighting the internet instead of using it to their advantage.
The internet is the future. Internet companies like Bailey's will thrive.
Local Ma and Pa shops will not go away, but in order to survive, they'll have to excel at service and repairs instead of relying on monopolistic sales practices.
Certain saw companies would GAIN market share if they made parts available online. I love my Efco saws (both of which I purchased online), but probably won't buy another Efco because parts are a hassle to obtain. If Efco made all parts available online, I would definitely continue buying Efcos.
When I needed a simple torx muffler screw for my Stihl, I had to take a day off from work and make a 4 hour round trip to the closest Stihl dealer. The dealer didn't have the muffler screw in stock, so I had to drive to yet another town, where that dealer also did not have the muffler screw in stock, however, he pulled a screw from a used saw. That used muffler screw cost me about $150 when you count the value of my time and transportation costs. Insane ! ! ! !
(Grande Dog, if you are reading this, you might consider adding a selection of torx screws to your catalog).
Why, oh why, can't I order Stihl parts online and have them delivered to my door ? ? ? It would only enhance my loyalty for the Stihl brand.
I do take advantage of the Stihl parts that are available from Baileys. Even if the the price is the same as OEM or even a little more than OEM, the convenience of online ordering and delivery to my door makes Baileys the better choice for me.