I think this is a difficult situation.
Firstly, Jim, you did ask if the UK/French distributor wanted to offer a kit up for review which they declined/ignored, thats there issue, you then purchased and did a private review (a good one to). This has sold boxes in the UK and overseas.
You have done it off your own back, giving them totaly free advertising, someone smart should of snapped up the chance of then getting you to review the options parts as people were already reading you ZX-5 review.
As for the pro's and con's, it is a difficult thing. I agree that supporting your LHS and distributor is the right thing to do as long as it works both ways (which in this instance, it hasn't).
BUT
Money being tight, when you can save over 50% at times on the cost of a kit, it is hard to justify buying it 'local' and this is a BIG shame. This is coming from the pricing structure that is set by small distributors. They only have a limited market and a limited price range, plus with the GBP being so strong, it makes US and HK prices VERY interesting. Also, the UK shops realy DON'T have much markup on kits.
The worst thing is, there are some places you can buy kits at prices even shops can't buy at trade price, makes you think.
Jim, maybe passing on the email to the Kyosho distributors migh sway them a little, otherwise, tis a shame to be so narrow minded.
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