Sometimes, it is true that manufacturers will have similar models of a single product for different retailers. But they would have different model numbers, even just one letter difference, to denote a dealer model vs big box/online retailer model. Unfortunately, now you know that your closest dealer is either ill-informed, or a mis-guided salesperson willing to say anything to make a sale. I wouldn't buy from just any online retailer but Amazon? Absolutely. They are hands down my absolute favourite online retailer.