again, i think you mis understand that wording and intent. by bringing this to users attention, it makes them think and evaluate their opinion and make an informed decision. i absolutely agree 90% will never need a warranty repair. i do know MANY people however that will simply refuse to purchase anything without that option. to some, it is a very important and they now have the information they need to make that informed decision with no pressure to do so at one over another. to summize, it's about encouraging making informed decisions vs. impulse buys.
in this vein, i went so far as to explain the warranty issue in my warranty faq post. in these posts it clearly lays out the warranty issue relating to domestic sales and overseas sales and how they are to be resolved. this is nothing more than factual information provided by the manufacturer (i can't find this anywhere else either) as it relates to our global market and purchasing options. if anything, i would have thought you would be greatful as it clearly shows that purchases via your shop and others like it are legit, valid and provide the full warranty experience, albeit with some specifics as to how it's executed. i thought this very useful information for us domestic buyers whom visit your site and may be holding back to simply not knowing.
to address the other issue, yes, the 'support your lhs' mantra has been thrown in our faces in every forum regarding online purchases. iv'e discussed this at length in other places but will summarize my position. the lhs as a business model needs to change with the times or die off. it just so happens that most refuse to change and as a result are now gone. the way it was done simply isn't the way it is done now and few have been able to adapt to the changing market.
qon, in my opinion, is doing everything right as far as i can see. he has a beautiful retail location, very well put together online portal that does not take away from the retail location but enhances it. his shop also incorporates online sales which we all know are pivotal to success in this market. to top it off, he is very active online in reaching out to other sites like this one providing content and information. he could very well stick to his own site and never venture outside of those confines but he does. to me, it's a shining example of what shops need to be doing to survive now.
hobby town usa for example has a wacky corporate structure and inventory requirements. (hobby works is just as wacky) they do not sell much online and it is nearly impossible to find any online presence from them. a few brave soles have posted here in their tracks section but that is rare and clearly not the norm.
and to turn the spotlight on realtracks for a moment, you too are a rare gem in my opinion. you've been very proactive in this hobby and provided an online presence that shows to users that you are both very much still in the game, focused on consumer experience and eager to bring a better product to market as a result. i honestly believe that would others do the same, the entire community would be much larger and thriving to a higher degree.
if you need further examples, please see the vendors forum on mini-zracer that i've developed of the course of several years. this area it thriving with manufacturer support, feedback and interaction. consequently there is almost a buzz in the air there as there is almost always something new to catch your eye, some great tid bit of information. it is this higher level of interaction that makes it such a success.
i aknowledge, that is not a simple feat to pull off on both the manufacturer and shops side of things. it's a commitment of both time, energy and thought. both of which i'm sure are being pulled in all directions in day to day activities. it's as much a strain as it is for the likes of us administrators like myself whom devote all these things in the hopes that others will agree, participate and flourish. it must be made clear that our efforts are not to further our own gains at the expence of others efforts but to provide the opportunity for everyone to grow. we do not get compensated for this work.
PLEASE take the other issue off forum

we have email for that purpose. i hate editing posts however i will if it continues. shake hands and play nice

this place is plenty big enough for all of us.