I guess to me there is no right way, big or small. Big dealers get big one of two ways. They can do it by turning over product with low margins and using sales people that lack experience. They can also do it by giving the best service and creating a great reputation with qualified sales people that stay around. Small dealers can do the same. The key for anyone is to find any dealer that has a good reputation. If you find a salesperson that has been around for a while there probably is a reason for it, management pays him right to keep him there. We can always find someone to sell us something for less, but service is something that is hard to come by. Me, I don't mind paying more, within reason ensuring that I will get good service after the sale.
So what I am saying, it don't make diddley if buy from a big dealer or a small dealer, go with one that has a reputation. This would even change my mind on what brand to buy also.
murph