We called ahead to a local dealer and he agreed to sell us 2 Bounty Hunter Time Rangers at the same price as on the 'net. The package lacked the flimsy carry bag and there was no spiffy bowie knife or anything, but the deal was real and he special-ordered them in for us. I didn't necessarily expect much support, but I do have a local stop if problems develop with the machines. I coulda saved a couple hundred more if I had waited a few months, then shopped for a used pair on e-bay or something, but this way I knew who I was dealing with and could see the machines before I plunked down the cash. By just playing around with samples tossed in the yard, I've been able to answer most of my own questions about their operation, so for me at least, local help for that wasn't a huge issue. If you have some time to experiment, make a small purchase or two from your potential dealer, ask a few after-the-sale questions, and see his response. You'll know before laying out a grand or something if he is worthy of your business. Happy Trails! -Ed

• Re: support your local dealer ........... Chet 08:29:08 10/31/2001 (0)