i think its us getting the raw end. their excuse would extra freight costs to get the stuff sent over here. it sux the way we get ripped off with so much stuff.

Freight shouldnt be a factor as i can get a rod and reel sent over cheaper than i buy here. And i bet they get much bigger discounts on shiping buying through bulk. I really enjoy suporting a local store but to be honest i think im going to let my bank account decide for me.

i buy local to keep the good local tackle stores around, if i need somthing in a rush, the local tackle store is ther when u need it, if u buy a reel get it home and find thers somthing wrong with it u go back and they swap it straight over. not sure on a reel or rod they will help u find exactly what ure after so you do pay for that customer service, but end of the day its worth it, lets say i could get a reel of the net for $300, well i wouldnt mind paying up to $350 for it localy i get it then and ther, get to feel and look at the product, cos you get the service that goese with it and keeps the local store in business, lots of overheads. online stores can do things cheaper because they dont hire staff to talk to the customer for a hour then the customer doesnt end up buying anything. if u bring in a online price to a local store they try to match the price best they can, and if they cant match it exactly they sometimes spool ya reel for free. 

40% mark up on reels that are under $200 compared to over east. def something fishy going on