I called my LHS, chasing a 38t 48p pinion.
Not a fairly common item, but this is a dedicated hobby shop (not a toy shop).
I asked the guy on the phone, he said what car is it for.
I said I just want a generic (any brand) pinion.
He goes, yeah but what car is it for.
I said its for a cyclone, he goes, oh sorry we dont sell parts for that.
After about 5 minutes of trying to explain to the guy what the deal was, he hung up.
I jumped onto one of the many online websites, clicked the button and it was in my letterbox in about 4 days. No arguing, no hassles.
Other hobby shops told me "they don't go that high" or "what would you want that for?".
If I want shock oil or paint, I'll go to a LHS, but for technical stuff I'd rather just order what I want and know I'll get exactly what I asked for.
RC Champ Adviser in particular never mind answering my questions.
Me using online stores isn't because of the bottom dollar, its simply because I don't like being made to feel like an idiot when I know bloody well what I'm talking about.