I have a love hate relationship with RA. I have purchased MANY parts from them over the years. Some of their stuff is ok, some is total [censored]. So really look at what your buying.
I agree shipping sometimes kills the deal with RA. Shipping costs at times can blow any savings you might get at all vs any local autoparts store.
Problem with autoparts stores are, or is selection. Generally for most parts you have maybe 1 or 2 choices. RA you have MANY choices to fit your budget, again if shipping doesn't kill the deal.
I have bought some items from RA tail lamps for my 2000 Dodge Caravan. They came with a 30 day warranty. About 6 weeks after install, they failed. Made in China [censored]. They cost about $15 less per tail lamp vs OEM. I ended up buying OEM and all is good, MONTHS LATER.
RA is still my go to store for most parts, air filters, oil filters, cabin filters and such, if you buy in bulk and several cars worth at a time the offset of shipping is worth it.
Example, I bought some air filters for my 2015 Titan pick up and through RA bought Fram Extra Guard Air Filters for $2.30 each on a blow out deal. I bought 5. I got 5 filters shipping and all for LESS than the price of ONE OEM FILTER. Gotta love that!!!
Jeff