[USAFS197]

Hmm. I dunno. That sounded like a fair approach, to me. Back when I had my mustang, I used to routinely get vendors to compete with each other on pricing until I eventually got the parts I wanted for well below the advertised prices. When you're talking about generic stuff that practically any vendor can supply, then it's all about what the cost is for them to get the part and how willing they are to get close to that number while still making a profit. I'd say about 90% of the time, getting quotes on stuff like the items the OP listed, then openly sharing those quotes between vendors, will almost always result in you getting the lowest price.

Now, if we are talking about something unique and only say, ADM can supply it then, you're at their mercy. I don't think this has anything to do with him not doing his research but I can say that he is attempting to circumvent some of the leg work to get those lower prices.