Buellhunter, this is a great question. First and foremost, i look for a great owner. someone who is reliable, trustworthy and just an all around good person. them, and their employes should know what they are talking about for sure. its bad enough walking into places, such as gander mountain where i live and having employees who do not know what they are talking about. when i walk into my local archery shop i like to see what they have as a selection, it donsnt have to be super huge, but is nice that i know that if i need something from my archery shop, if they dont have it on stock, that they can order it! as for prices, i dont think they should over charge, obviously, but they need to make a living too! it is nice that there isa shooting range inside my local archery shop, when he gets done working on my bow, i like to shoot it to see if every thing is good! I also love it that there is a league i can shoot at, every wednesday i have somthing to look forward to. Especially in the winter, it is nice to go inside a bow range not that big, only about 50yrds. max, but its sufficiant. i buy most of my outdoor gear at my local bow shop, just because its close and i know and trust the owner. sorry if im rambling. thanks. MNFOWL