For anything that requires an accurate fit (helmets, gloves and boots come to mind) I strongly encourage you to try to buy locally unless you are simply wanting to replace a worn-out product with a still-available identical product.
This spring I did considerable shopping for a new helmet in Canada. One store (not BMW) gave me great service and I decided upon a Shoei RF-1000 after wearing it in the store for a half hour. But I wanted a white helmet and none were in stock.
Then I checked the US internet big motorcycle stores. After I got their prices and factored in the dollar difference, I realized my local store was asking about $100 Can. more than I would have to pay if I had the internet supplier ship it to my mother's residence in Washington state.
I then went back to the local store, documented the price difference, and told them very honestly that I would love to support their business but not if this admittedly expensive helmet cost me an extra $100. I got the helmet for $50 more than I woud have spent having it shipped to a US address.
Another interesting story about gloves, but out of room.
This spring I did considerable shopping for a new helmet in Canada. One store (not BMW) gave me great service and I decided upon a Shoei RF-1000 after wearing it in the store for a half hour. But I wanted a white helmet and none were in stock.
Then I checked the US internet big motorcycle stores. After I got their prices and factored in the dollar difference, I realized my local store was asking about $100 Can. more than I would have to pay if I had the internet supplier ship it to my mother's residence in Washington state.
I then went back to the local store, documented the price difference, and told them very honestly that I would love to support their business but not if this admittedly expensive helmet cost me an extra $100. I got the helmet for $50 more than I woud have spent having it shipped to a US address.
Another interesting story about gloves, but out of room.