"Honestly, I think that's a big advantage of going local. You might pay a bit more upfront, but having someone nearby who can actually step in if something goes wrong is worth it."
I get where you're coming from, but honestly, my experience has been a bit different. When I replaced my roof a few years back, I went with an online supplier because the price difference was pretty significant—like 20% cheaper than the local quotes I got. At first, I was worried about warranty and support too, but the online company actually offered a pretty solid warranty (10 years against rust and defects). They even had a dedicated customer service line that was surprisingly responsive.
Funny thing is, when I did have a minor issue—a couple of sheets arrived slightly dented—they shipped replacements out within a week, no questions asked. Didn't even have to send the damaged ones back. So, while I totally agree that having someone local can feel reassuring, it's not always the only way to get decent after-sales support.
I guess it really depends on the specific supplier and how much you trust them. I've heard some horror stories about local places dragging their feet on warranty claims too, so local doesn't always mean better service. For me, saving a decent chunk of cash upfront and still getting reliable support was a win-win.
But yeah, everyone's mileage varies... just thought I'd throw my two cents in since sometimes online suppliers get a bad rap they don't always deserve.
Yeah, I see both sides here. I've inspected plenty of roofs installed from both local and online suppliers, and honestly, quality and support can vary wildly either way. The key is doing your homework—check reviews, warranty details, and ask around. A good online supplier can definitely save you cash without sacrificing quality, but if you're someone who values face-to-face accountability, local might still be the safer bet. Just don't assume local automatically means better...I've seen some real messes from local guys too.
"Just don't assume local automatically means better...I've seen some real messes from local guys too."
Couldn't agree more. I've dealt with my share of headaches from both sides—online suppliers shipping damaged panels, locals cutting corners on fasteners or flashing details. It's always about the specifics: materials used, thickness gauges, protective coatings, and how responsive they are when issues pop up. Curious though, has anyone found significant differences in warranty enforcement between online and local suppliers? That's where I've personally hit some snags...
Warranty enforcement can be a real mixed bag, honestly. A couple years back, I ordered panels online for a barn job—looked great initially, but after just one rough winter, the finish started peeling. Took weeks of back-and-forth emails just to get someone on the phone who knew what they were talking about. On the flip side, my local supplier once replaced a batch of defective flashing same-day, no questions asked. So yeah...definitely hit or miss either way.
I've generally had better luck with online suppliers, actually. Maybe you just got unlucky with that one batch? My last order came through fine, and when I had a minor issue, they sorted it pretty quickly. Guess it really depends who you're dealing with...
