[Capt. Lou]

There’s a simple solution to this problem, and it lies with the manufacturers for most part ! They cut their purchaseprices to box stores for quantity purchases the mass merchants is capable of buying !
Only a couple of companies I know offer similar programs to independants , so the end result the independents are looked upon as overpriced , however to obtain their markup and keep the doors open they have to charge a little more .
They then must make up the profit by customer services , bait rigging etc,
So their not the blame for higher prices in some instances , they are forced into it by having to buy non competitively .
This is not always the case but can be in some instances , not all ! It’s a catch 22 for the independents if you don’t give them your business you both lose, so if you step up it all helps you get better deals !
Friendship prices will follow and your.both happy !