I would be prepared to pay up to 20% extra (and have done) to buy from a shop. I tend to save up my purchases for the shows, and without starting up that old thing about shows on the same day, to me thats heaven, as I visit both on the same day. Talking to sellers, who are generally enthusiastic and knowledgeable is worth a premium, and you can compare products. My local shop is 30 mins away, but they specialise in helicopters, planes and cars. I fly RC helicopters, so that is good, however shops tend to specialise in a couple of particular brands, its then I buy on line. 45 mins away is a shop who specialises in boats, I regularly travel there, as the advice and service is part of the "buying experience"
18 months ago I had 3 model shops within 20 mins of home, they have all closed down, what a shame. Another shop I know and use is 50 mins away, he only opens 3 days a week, and admits that he only does that to fuel his passion for RC boats, as he makes more money on the other days just fulfilling internet orders