When needing a technical item I generally buy locally, sometimes offshore. If it's critical it'll be local every time — to support local business, get a warranty and be able to discuss pros and cons, specs, suitability, etc.
Offshore purchases can yield cost savings but risk weak warranties, unreliable specifications, slow delivery, risk of loss or damage in transit, short life or unreliability. I've found the success rate to be about 80 per cent. That 80 per cent being
