If you in the market for buying a new grill or smoker, there is a lot of choice available of where to go to get them. From small hardware stores to Big Box establishments to your local dealers that specialize in the products. I am going to go through some reasons of why your best bet for the value, service and peace of mind is usually going to be the dealer, hands down because if you select the right product for your lifestyle it is actually an investment that will give you MANY years of use and enjoyment. So let’s check out some of the reasons and then let’s get grillin!
1. SUPPORT: So first up I understand the instant gratification to find something that is deeply discounted on first check. That is the world we live in where the internet serves as a tool to help us find great deals. But I also think there is true value in the support that a store that is a reputable dealer can give customers. I realize there is a cost associated with that support. If I am looking for the lowest possible cost for something, I often expect the lowest amount of support as the trade off. The store has to make up for the discount they give you and supporting the customer before and after the sale is often the first thing to go.
For example: The Big Green Egg is an extraordinary product and it actually is incredibly easy to use once you get rolling. But it is a bit different from most other grills. You may need some help to get you pointed in the right direction in the beginning. Who do you think is going to give you better support after the sale? The dealer that charged a reasonable price or the dealer that cut their price to the bone? 2. KNOWLEDGE: One thing you should do when shopping around for an outdoor cooking product is to find out what kind of experience the sales staff has. Ask your sales person if they have used any of the grills themselves and for how long. When it comes to specialized products like smokers or infrared grills…you are not buying some widget that just any “box pusher” type sales person can sell. These are specialized products that need knowledge to make them work their best. When you have questions, well trained staff will know right away. Time is a factor that is valuable to us all these days and the more efficient product knowledge staff have the more time you can be out of the store and in your back yard grilling! 
Also knowledgeable staff will get to the root of what you need and recommend appropriate sizes and models with features that work for you within your budget. 3. KNOWLEDGE-After the Sale: Things will come up after you have your new grill at home and a dealer will be able to support you where a store that sells various models with ill – trained staff will leave you googling all weekend. 4. STOCK/TURNOVER: A dealer will generally have a good amount of stock out on the floor, fully displayed so that you can see hands on all the different models available. With a good stock and turnover means you will be able to walk in and get instant gratification. Plus a wide range of accessories and features will be easy to experience and decisions can be made much more easily about what works for you. Also, if your dealer sells a lot of product it will mean they usually have the latest, greatest versions of everything. Another interesting aspect of dealer shopping is that you may discover some awesome products that are out there that you never would have heard of had they not been introduced to you. Outdoor cabinetry or different types of charcoal may be an example. 
This next point is a very important fact as well as I have heard of lots of people who have searched for needed parts after their purchase and not been able to find them. Dealers will have the PARTS you need and know WHICH PARTS you need as well. You will also be able to GET THE PARTS either right away or in a short amount of time. This in itself is SO IMPORTANT, because some pieces of equipment are ready for the curb if there are no proper parts to be found when they break down. The quality of a grill you will buy from a reputable dealer should also eliminate in general the need for much part replacement because again, as with everything, you get what you pay for. 5. SALES STAFF ATTITUDE: There are vast differences in the type of treatment you will receive at different types of stores. Sometimes you don’t care because you are making a one time purchase and won’t need to deal with the sales staff again. For a one and done purchase a “box pusher” is not so pleasant to deal with, but it is doable. By a “box pusher” I mean the type of salesperson who is comfortable selling anything: widgets or geegaws. Whatever is in the box on the shelves. They really know little about the actual use of what they are selling. They just know what is printed in the “product spin” documents they receive from the manufacturer. The other type of sales person knows and actually uses the product they are selling. They also take the time to find out what your needs and expectations are, so they can make sure the product they are selling you will actually meet your needs. What a concept-eh?!! 
Hey they may even have a few recipes ideas for your first outdoor meal! 6. CUSTOMER SERVICE: Customer service is very important with a quality grill and you will usually get exactly what you pay for. The lowest price may also buy you the lowest level of customer service. You also should not take good customer service for granted. When you are getting ready to buy something, you will generally get the highest level of customer service at all of the stores carrying that product. They are all trying to get you to spend that first big chunk of money with them. What separates the stores is how they treat people after the big sale. 
When push comes to shove, when an accident happens or an emergency problem, you are going to get much stronger support from a dealer who has lots of stock and knowledge. The product is their bread and butter so they CARE about what you think of them and their merchandise. Word gets around these days and everyone knows it! 
CONCLUSION: Don’t just shop for new outdoor cooking equipment. You owe it to yourself to shop for the right dealer. Don’t let price be the driving force behind your choice of dealer. You may end of having your quality product for 25 or 30 years, so what is a $25, $50 or even $100 savings at sales time when spread over 25 or 30 years? Evaluate the other considerations here and make a decision based on the totality of what the various dealers offer. You usually get what you pay for. So in your quest for the lowest price, you may be also be throwing out customer service, education, and after sale support. Be sure to shop for the best dealer, not the best price. SOURCE: onestopfireplaceshop.com, grillinsmokin, Napoleon To receive similar content, “Like” us on Facebook @https://www.facebook.com/onestopfireplaceshop and https://www.facebook.com/niagarabuzz.ca
