How many dealers do you use?

It would be great if there were some really good ones around. I'm not sure I'd support them, why? So they can be supported?

I can find a better reason for a LOT smaller brick and mortar store with a repair facility, ACCESS to a variety of new and used products, on consignment for trade or sale. It would be nice if there was the a good source for analog supplies too. Vinyl, R2R any media.. I don't want to support a 20k per month store front AT ALL.. 

I see no added value just added COST.. I know shoot the messenger. 

Regards

I have deep relationships w three dealers and casual ties to others. They are a constant source of friendship and trusted ears. While I get to hear and experience a lot of gear, they have many insights. Having said that, I have bought some items they direct model with ok results 

I don’t have anti dealer sentiment , in Memphis there are no hi-end dealers any more . Over the last several years I’ve made purchases that have supported dealers such as Goldprint Audio, Nashville Hifi , Atelier 13 , Amherest Audio , Moon Audio to name a few while not setting a foot in their stores ; those purchases were made via phone/email correspondence . Likewise,I’ve also bought manufacture direct from Daedalus Audio, Audio Art Cable, Silnote Audio, to name a few that don’t sell through dealers. Additionally, I have also made purchases from few manufacturers that have dealers but also sell direct e.g. Modwright Audio, Finale Audio. And yes, I’ve made purchases from the Cable Co, Audio Advisor and Music Direct for isolation , contact enhancers and the like. All of the aforementioned are "dealers", they simply operate with different business models. I don’t tie myself to one particular dealer as no dealer carries all brands , and see no reason to get tied into a specific one if the dealer doesn’t have what I want just so that dealer can be supported.

One for weed, two for audio