If you buy from a third party, the third party becomes the warranter. So, make sure the person is not going to vanish on you. SH only provides warranty service if you bought it from them.
Every Christmas time since I have been in the market, SH has done an across the board %20 sale. This is when I buy all my stuff. If you are making a big purchase as it sounds you are, I would not pay regular retail. You should give it your best shot at getting some discounting.
