Smaller Audio/Video stores- Free delivery service

Hi all,

I hope this is the place to write this discussion. I just want to know if your dealer offers free delivery when you purchase speakers, amps, preamps etc. I am not talking about Bestbuy and bigger box stores I am referring more to high end audio/video shops or mom and pop shops that sell high end audio. When purchasing your gear are you required to pick up from the dealer or do they deliver it free of charge for you? Is it a courtesy or good business relations they offer this service? For my situation, I have no vehicle and not too many people I know who have a vehicle and my dealer is located an hour and some away from me. I have a long standing relationship with them around 10 years but it seems difficult sometimes to get delivery when I ask, as its usually the a/v installers who will do the delivery. So I wonder if the majority of smaller audio/video shops do not offer delivery services due to high overhead cost of offering this service. I mean if I am trading in something then yes they will deliver my goods and pick up the trade in items when he can schedule it. How do BB and bigger box stores offer free shipping if you purchase over a certain price?

Dont get me wrong my dealer is great to work with as they provide good prices and have did some other stuff for me as well at no cost to me and provided great support. I guess delivery is something they dont really do at all and would prefer you to pick it up. I may need to consider buying stuff from them that I can pick up via local transit thats small enough to purchase like cables, power cables etc and get gear from another dealer that is a bit closer where its only a reasonable cab fare away. I dont know. 
Anyways, any thoughts would be appreciated and could educate me too on this subject. Thanks all.

2007audioman