The bottomline(s) is/are:
PARTS
SERVICE
CONVENIENCE
That said, regardless of who sells it (or) what the product is, one must assume that if a product has more than ONE part (or component) it will eventually malfunction or break (Murray's Law revisited).
The Big Box retailers thrive on purchasing the item that they can get the best deal (price) on and/or is "Just In Time" manufacturing. What you see today may not be available there tomorrow or next week, month, etc. Their objective is high turn-over of an given product (short shelf life, space, cost to keep per square foot of shelf space, etc.). "Service" is not an issue with them..."First In, First Out" inventory is the goal...
IMO, I'll pay a little more to get a product that has a supplier (service, parts) that is close by and has parts and service when needed. I don't want a product where you have to wait until the ship comes in to deliver a $5. part. Otherwise, I'll just consider the item to have a "short useful life" and is a disposable item.
In the long run, it "costs no more to go first class" (whatever that means) when it comes to Parts, Service, and Convenience.
;-)