New batteries and which type

[Merlin Clark]

There seems to be a perception that profit is a dirty word. It is what keeps a company in business. The wholesale clubs know what their market is and they buy with that always in mind. If company "A" wants to buy one million group 24 batteries from manufacturer XYZ they will specify a desired selling price and mark-up. XYZ can then design a battery that meets the requirements for CCA and reserve capacity. If they can reduce the lead in those batteries by just 2 ounces they can save 62.5 tons of lead.
When I researched AGM batteries I found a broad range of price, and weight in group 31 batteries. West Marine was not far off the competition for price and specifications.

"Perception that profit is a dirty word" sounds like a lame and watered down insult used for people who don't beleive corporate greed is for the good of America.
If inferior products at high prices make you happy, then that is just great.

 

[Merlin Clark]

You don't need the interweb to do what my mom and many others have suggested to me: comparison shopping!

WM Grp 31 wet cells -- well over $130 each plus almost 10% tax here in CA

American Battery (local supplier) -- $115 including tax, were $95 each five years ago.

No brainer.

Shop wisely.

Almost always do and this internet thing allows me to cover a lot more ground without using up my $4/gallon gas.

 

[Ross]

There is no one among us that will pay more for a product out of loyality to a merchant. We all want to keep our cost of living as low as posible. No local business could stay open if all of their customers were as frugal as I. If you are wise enough to shop carefully and if you know your product you can save quite a bit of money if you plan ahead. But if at 4:45 on Friday afternoon you need a handful of fasteners and your local hardware store is open you will probably bite the bullet and pay more than you might have if you had ordered them a week ago. There is value to convenience.