"Sure, it took a bit more time out of my weekend, but at least I wasn't stuck dealing with returns or damaged goods."
Yeah, that's exactly what I'm worried about too. Did you find the local supplier through recommendations or just stumbled upon them online? I'm a first-time homeowner and still figuring out all this stuff...honestly didn't even think about dents or scratches until you mentioned it. Makes me wonder—do most local suppliers let you inspect sheets yourself before buying? And were their prices comparable once you factored in shipping from online places?
I guess it makes sense that for something as big and expensive as roofing sheets, seeing them firsthand might save headaches later. Plus, getting some installation tips sounds like a huge bonus. Did they offer delivery options too, or did you have to transport everything yourself?
I found my local supplier through word-of-mouth—neighbor down the street recommended them after his own roofing saga (long story, lol). They let me inspect everything beforehand, and delivery was reasonable enough to skip hauling sheets myself. Prices were pretty close once shipping got factored in.
Word-of-mouth can be solid, but I'd still double-check prices online. Local suppliers sometimes bank on convenience and inflate costs a bit. Might be worth a quick comparison before committing...
"Local suppliers sometimes bank on convenience and inflate costs a bit."
Fair point, but don't underestimate the value of local relationships. I've found that local suppliers often throw in extras like free delivery or quicker turnaround if you're a regular. Plus, if something goes wrong or you miscalculate your order (been there...), it's way easier to sort things out face-to-face than through customer service emails. Online prices might look better upfront, but convenience and reliability can save headaches later.
Good points here—I've seen both sides. Last year, after a major storm, we urgently needed replacement roofing sheets. Ordered online because prices were attractive, but delivery delays set us back nearly a week longer than anticipated. Ended up sourcing locally anyway to fill the gap. The local supplier was pricier initially, but their reliability and quick turnaround saved our timeline. Sometimes, paying a bit extra upfront can actually reduce your overall costs and stress levels later on...
