> these days most of them will do business over email. This has been super convenient for me. I email the guy at the lumber yard, "Hey, I'm thinking about doin

> these days most of them will do business over email. This has been super convenient for me. I email the guy at the lumber yard, "Hey, I'm thinking about doing X. I think I'll need these supplies. Can you get me a quote?" He responds with a price list, maybe some substitution suggestions, and we barter back and forth a bit until I say "Yes, please order that for me." Then if it's a special order, he'll say, "Great, I'll let you know when it arrives." It's a very satisfying process. Plus I always send pictures after I complete the project, which I think both of us enjoy.