need some advice

I buy at the LHS

This means MM enamel and Acryl, and Floquil railroad paints. 

I purchase most of my paints from my LHS (well, not so local since I have to drive 30 min+ each way) because they have great selection of MM paints.  Only time I use on-line based hobby shop is when I need Tamiya or Gunze paints which my local shops lack in selection.

I don't order paint online. mainly because i like to see the colors up front. most model shops should have a color book from thier suppliers that you can look through if they don't have the color that you want. they can order it for you and generally you wont have to pay shipping. support your local shops or else they will be gone....

If at all possible I will buy my paint at the LHS. One it supports the shop, two it helps the local economy, three I don't like ordering paint online. Normally when I need a paint I need it NOW not a few days from now or a week from now. Plus I like to actually look at the paint that I buy. Anyway...since there are fewer and fewer places locally to buy the paints that I like to use I am having to turn to the internet more and more.

Anyway ordering online when it comes to cost ends up be around the same or more. When I order paint online I try to order a number of paints or other things to make the shipping worth it. The cost of shipping is too high if you are just ordering a couple of paints. This is making me plan my projects in advance, no more just grabbing a kit from the stash and going to work. Oh well adapt and overcome.

The prices you're paying are in line with what I pay locally. Ordering from an overseas vendor may appear to cheaper up front but it they don't provide you with a quote for shipping or if you do not know what the duty fees are it could mean it is about the same or more. Not to mention many products are no longer accepted for shipment by postal modes. Shipping enamels and lacquers is tough and if they do have to ship via a frieght carrier...ex pen sive!

Supporting a local retailer keeps the economy in your community strong. There are however, time when shopping outside via the internet or catalog is necessary on several levels. Just remember that the time will come when you need something NOW and when you run down to that LHS, their doors are closed because no one elected to support them.

Paint prices seem to be going up for numerous reasons. I too find at times my production costs fluctauting on an almost daily level. However, by smart purchasing of raw materials at the right time, and allowing for these changes one can maintain a fixed price. But, now with the increases in shipping costs and the decline in the dollar, that adds yet another issue to the scheme. I'll hold the line as long as I can!

My suggestion is that you do do a little compariative shopping, but understand it many cases the prices will wash out the same after everything is said and done.

I get my paints at the local hobby shop, and I usually buy Testors MM Acryl paints. Each bottle is less than $2-$3, and they last me a while because I generally build in 1/72 scale and pretty slowly at that.

Regards,