I wanted to get an item that, in the last few years, has been somewhat difficult to get. But recently it's become more available. So Saturday I called a shop and was given a price that seemed excessive but I was going to buy it anyway. Then when I asked about shipping I was told $5. Now this item can fit in an envelope and wouldn't cost more than $0.50 to mail (please no comments about handling, time involved, etc. I'm very familiar with direct and indirect expenses). Anyway, I did not place the order.

I called another shop and the person gave me a price that was 1/2 of what the first shop quoted for the identical item. To boot, shipping was $1.85. Needless to say I ordered the item(s), several as it turned out, through the second shop.

Allan