what about starting out with a focus in mail order also? That way(provided you got setup to accept visa/amex/mc) you could keep your current job until the hydro shop got off the ground, or you may find ebay business to workout...prices arent that great on there, but i like it for the ease of use. Maybe you could even just start a basic website and put a link at the bottom of your signature(not sure if that violates any kind of clause on MP). But anyway....my point is this, price will always be a "haggle" issue in business....the way to overcome it is with service and knowledge....sorry if im carrying on....im just a big advocate of local business and the unseen value that they bring to the table....i think that if youve gotten some interest from distributors and you arent buying(for the most part) from resellers that anyone could buy from...you stand a chance to do ok. Again, sorry for the rant....i just think it could work