I think you're right. I was in Home Depot looking for a small item and was approached by someone looking for potential HVAC buyers. Unfortunately, I suspect that might be me before long, so I agreed to get a quote. The guy who came out sounded very knowledgeable, but the price he quoted me was around double what I was expecting. Before I do anything, I'll be getting at least two more quotes. (So far my unit is still hanging in there, thank goodness!)
As for Costco, I've learned to be very selective. Some things are really worth buying there (e.g. paper, perhaps tires), but others not so much. I was looking at appliances not too long ago and fortunately read the small print. Turns out their installation services had some caveat that made it unworkable for me. Plus, the cost was more than what I wanted to pay, even after a significant discount and the selection was limited in brand and features, with only options at the high end, with way more features than what I need.
More and more, I like the idea (whenever feasible) of doing business with smaller, more independent businesses. It seems like the mega merchandisers (Amazon is one of the worst) are forcing the little guys out of business and contributing to the expansion of the low-paying gig economy culture.
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