Have bought probably 6+ Waterman Ballpoint pens here. I tend to lose them and give them as gifts. Was really happy to keep my business local as my office is a short walk away. \n\nStopped by the other day to see about getting the decorative silver tab replaced on my pen, waited for about 15 min as two  very pleasant Canadians made thier purchases. \n\nThe shop keeper was very nice in telling me that because Parker/Waterman doesn't provide replacement parts I would have to send the pen back to Parker/Waterman, at my expense, wait around 8 weeks to have it fixed (if I could prove it had been less than a couple years since I purchased) and then pay to have it shipped back. \n\nIt was the next awkward moment that solidified my making this review... it was clear that the best choice would be to skip the hassle and expense and buy a new pen. \n\nI did. Online. For less than the local store. \n\nSad, when you realize that having a personal relationship with a local vendor doesn't outweigh the convieience, savings and service of shopping online. \n\nInterweb 1, local business 0