Internet / Store ?

coin finder · Nov 13, 2009

I Have a Question if you are going to buy a Metal Detector for the ( Beach/Sand)& water. Would you buy from a store or off the internet ? Thanks Coinfinder :hello2:

vayank54 · Nov 13, 2009

I would by from a local dealer for several reasons. At a local dealer you can look at and handle the different machines and see which one will be best for you, the most expensive you can afford may not always be the best for the type of detecting you will be doing. If you have trouble learning the machine they will be more willing to help you if you buy from them, If the dealer also services the machines you will more than likely get better and faster service if you buy from them. Also if there is more than one dealer in your area visit several and see which brand of machine you think will suit you best. This is just my opinion and I'm sure other people will feel differently.

dpitt8 · Nov 13, 2009

I would say at least start at a local dealer....that way if they have multiple models in stock you can try them out in person to get a feel for which one is right for you.

syko · Nov 14, 2009

but buying online,you don't have to pay taxes if out of state :dontknow:

allanw23 · Dec 9, 2009

So if everyone buys on the internet all your local dealers will go out of business. Then you will get stuck with someone in another state that pushes you to whatever machine the makes them the most profit. I cant tell you how many times a customer comes in asking how to use their machine they bought off the internet and its not even the machine they needed to do the type of hunting they want to do. Go to your local dealer that will set you up with the machine that fits your needs and your pocketbook. Believe me he wants you to be happy. He actually has to see you face to face, not over the phone!

Sandman · Dec 10, 2009

allanw23 said:
So if everyone buys on the internet all your local dealers will go out of business. Then you will get stuck with someone in another state that pushes you to whatever machine the makes them the most profit. I cant tell you how many times a customer comes in asking how to use their machine they bought off the internet and its not even the machine they needed to do the type of hunting they want to do. Go to your local dealer that will set you up with the machine that fits your needs and your pocketbook. Believe me he wants you to be happy. He actually has to see you face to face, not over the phone!

I can not stress this enough to buy from a dealer that has a store front where you can handle the detectors first hand. Many times the one you think you want turns out to be a dog when you get to play with it in the store. Some dealers also sell online and the prices are going to be very close to the same as in the store. Sure you can get those cheap ones at the discount stores, but after a couple hunts with them you'll realize you wasted more money.

The dealer that you visit will assemble it for you and show you how it works and you can go back to him for help. When you buy online don't expect that dealer with the store to show you how it works cause many cases he'll tell you to ask the guy you bought it from. We had people all the time coming into the store to ask how to use the detector they bought on the Internet and the boss would sent them on their way.

Woodland Detectors · Dec 10, 2009

AGAIN, Buy from a local dealer.
I take all my clients out and do my best to help them understand their machines.
Most local dealers feel the same way.

Dan Hughes · Dec 10, 2009

4-H said:
I read your post...store or internet.....
I'll make you an offer.
Find the best price on the detector you wan't. As long as it is a Minelab, Tesoro or, Detectorpro ( I am an authorized dealer for these companys) And I'll give you a better price.

When I was a dealer (long ago), Tesoro prohibited anyone from selling below a specific price. For example, I could not sell a Compadre for less than $151.20. So every dealer sold it for exactly that.

Are you saying that Tesoro has changed that policy??

RON (PA) · Dec 10, 2009

I would say buy from a local dealer as well. The dealer I use is excellent. If you are having trouble with a dectector (learning it, mechanical, etc), the dealer is a great resource.

mlayers · Dec 10, 2009

I have bought both ways. When I bought my DFX I bought from the dealer, 6 months later when I went back to him for help he was out of business. Now if I need help with my detector I have to go 60 miles one way......Matt

BobinSouthVA · Dec 10, 2009

I think it really depends on your situation. I know I would buy online as the only local dealers here are Radio Shack and Hobbytown where the employees know nothing about what they are selling and they only offer Whites.

That being said if there were a dealer closeby that sold a variety of machines and was knowledgeable I would shop local.

Nick A · Dec 10, 2009

Local dealer if you still are lucky enough to have one...
http://www.ohiometaldetecting.com/2/post/2009/06/your-local-detector-dealer.html

sniffer · Dec 10, 2009

like the rest, especially with a water machine buy local if possible. that way you have someone close by
to ask questions. also if you have any warranty issues that come up, you have a dealer to help deal with the problem
good luck on whatever you do