you'll have to pay the price and deal with the shops but once it's legal and you find yourself in there daily for a period of years (I'm very loyal to my shop) you tend to get better deals down the line.
I get better than online prices on a lot of stuff at the mom and pop I shop.
By all means I can save $2 a stone at my local shop.... and stones add up quick....
But ballasts, hoods, inline fans.... Amazon.com I got my last hood @ the shop out of need for immediate use, and @ 20% off, it was still only to 'comparable' prices with the same model online, with shipping.
I get my day-to-day shit from the shop, but major items, I check the price.... then I scan the UPC with my Amazon app and see if I can get it prime cheaper..... Some things I will even ask if they can match the price I find, if so, i buy it. If not, still need hydroton, air stones, fittings and hoses, seed starters, etc.