The other problem I've had with VARs isn't their fault. Some manufacturers appear to use their VARs as a customer service buffer to keep users like me at bay. I could only get it repaired through the VAR, and the VAR could only ship the tripod to the manufacturer's service department. Throughout the two-month wait, I could only contact the VAR to track my missing tripod. I prefer a straight line of communication to the people repairing my equipment.
VARs face a difficult balancing act.
They must provide service for every item they've sold over the years while also keeping up with the latest technology. One artist says that she will never buy from a particular VAR because they sold her a Video Toaster and now they no longer have staff who supports her. I feel for her. And that's only one product category. Video VARs have had to come to terms quickly with whole new categories, including DVD, HD, and the World Wide Web.