Duncan, and others curious. Shoulda/coulda been clearer.

The reason I mentioned I prefer to deal with middlemen at highland games was nothing to do with price....it was because the product I may want is there for me to view and handle in person rather than a catalog or screen image. And - it is there for me to buy right then, rather than order and wait for a drop ship etc.

Cash and carry...simple.

I understand why middlemen have to drop ship and order to the orders they receive....and that is precisely why I choose not to order from them whenever possible.

And I too worked many years as a salesman for a wholesaler.