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Dec 09, 2012, 01:12 PM
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Although I understand what you said, Maranara, I don't agree with all of it, because almost everything I purchase is through online sellers, such as those on eBay. Just a few days ago I received a flash from a Chinese seller, the same make and model of the one at Henry's store, and for half the price! I've never had an issue with the Chinese sellers I have dealt with. In fact, I have found them to be incredibly polite, courteous, and helpful. The only issue I have ever had ordering online was from a seller in Greece. It's important to be cautious but a little reading around on eBay should alleviate such concerns. I wouldn't exclude overseas sellers completely.
I have bought my mother jewellery from Chinese sellers. Obviously they were fake, and I knew that from the start, but they looked real enough for my mother to like them. Chinese sellers will most likely sell fakes but if you're searching for a low-budget alternative I find them to be good enough for that.
As for the price, Lynn, it could be any number of factors, but I think a major difference between in store prices and online is the cost of selling the item. An eBay seller could be a major company or a single-man operation in a basement. Stores have to pay employees, rents, taxes, a number of extra costs that online sellers don't. Amazon.ca is a major online store for books, and their prices are almost always cheaper than in a bookstore, for this reason I believe. Also, bookstores that operate both brick-and-mortar stores and online have wildly different prices between them. Chapters' books are much cheaper on their website than if you walked into a store and bought the same book.
PM me whenever Lynn! I am an expert Internet shopper and almost never shop in store  .
And here's a tip for shopping on eBay: some sellers there are large enough to have online stores outside of eBay. I ordered a DSLR camera kit from Cameta Camera, and they have an independent website, an eBay account, and a brick-and-mortar store. It makes it easier to learn more about the seller and contact them if there is an issue. I've saved thousands of dollars on camera equipment on eBay
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