It seems that since the dawn of time we have all wanted to get a "deal" on anything we purchase. There's nothing wrong with getting a "deal" on something. Anytime we can save a buck or two on one thing, it allows us to spend the money we saved on something else (hopefully at a deal as well).

This is all well and good when we are purchasing something that we know how to use. Golf clubs, beer and fishing rods all lend themselves to "deal" shopping, and because of that, they have become commodities.In most cases, assuming we trust the vendor, we will go just about anywhere to buy these items if the price is right. John the liquor store guy might be a nice fellow, but if we can get our beer cheaper at the grocery store, we're probably going to go there. We are purchasing a known item with little chance for disaster.

Purchasing items over the Internet can also save money, but we have a few more things we need to look out for. When contemplating a faceless transaction we need to be able to trust our vendor. This can be difficult without prior experience or recommendations from others. As the Internet is where price competition really heats up, we need to remind ourselves that a vendors margins are more than likely razor thin. Razor thin margins mean that a vendor is not nearly concerned with completing a transaction if it's completion means complications. In the case of a golf club, you are playing against Tiger Woods tomorrow and *really* need this new club to beat him, it's hard to convey the urgency to a "Shopping Cart" You may have to pay more locally for the club, but the peace of mind knowing that you can hold it in your hand and have it *immediately* is often worth the additional expense.

Which brings us to the important stuff- Our Phone System. As an installer for over 20 years, I can't count the number of times I heard:
"Our phone system is our lifeblood- WE CANNOT DO WITHOUT IT FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME"
Those that believe this to be true need to realize that while the Internet can be their friend, it can also destroy them.
Many will buy phone systems on the Internet, only to realize that until they can find a competent installer, all they have is a pile of electronics in a box. A well trained installer is the FIRST item of business when purchasing a phone system.
Even when you *are* able to install your own phone system, you must realize that they are not tanks. They are electronics and as such, are subject to failure due to electrical disturbances, fire, flood, angry bosses, etc. That shopping cart you dealt with last year will have no sympathy for the lightning strike you had last night. Once you are in a bind, the company you call may very well have other customers, *their* customers that they need to take care of before they can get to you, the Internet buyer. Is this a chance you want to take?

It's all about risk vs. reward.
You may find, after talking to a local Phone System vendor that they are happy to install and maintain equipment that you may have purchased elsewhere. In the "olden days" we often quoted phone systems "installed" with no breakdown for labor costs. Most companies have since separated labor and materials, so that when presented with a "install only" scenario, they are able to charge enough to pay the bills. This would be something to talk to a potential vendor with as you are getting their "pitch". Their is no harm in asking "I want to buy a phone system from you, but I see a couple of the phones on eBay. If I buy them, will you install them with the rest of the system". All of that said, you can make mistakes when choosing a local vendor. Just because a guy has a truck and a storefront, it does NOT make him a telephony god. Do you own Due Diligence (a good place to start is this directory). Ask for references, call their office after hours and see how their voicemail reacts- is there a "if you have a critical emergency press X for immediate assistance".
After all, your phone system is your lifeblood.....

-Joe