I Have always liked buying locally even though prices may be a little higher. If you have a problem you know exactly where to go and what to do. Local businesses are more likely to provide the assistance that you need because they really depend on your business and want you back for what ever else you need that they can help with.

I'm sure your pet store manager is not looking for compensation for his suggestions and help, just wants you to come back when you need other material.

Lots of people don't realize that big ticket items usually don't have much mark-up (profit) but small items make the most money for the retailer. Example: a pond pump probably does not make a lot of profit for him but if you continue to visit the store to buy things like fish food, meds and misc. small pond items he will make more profit per dollar spent on those items. I once had a guy offer to five me a free aquarium if I would commit to buy all the rest of my fish keeping needs from him for a year.

Anyway, glad you are happy.