Originally Posted by wlank
The view from the other side of the mountain.
As the buyer, I have to consider the TOTAL cost to me. If I buy a lens for $50.00 with $10.00 shipping, or for $40.00 with 20.00 shipping or $60.00 with FREE shipping, the cost to me is the same. Or maybe I can go down the road and buy it in a store for $46.30 + $3.70 tax. Total $50.00. Wait a minute. Gas for the vehicle, + other operational costs. We're back at $60.00, maybe more.
Nobody is forcing you to buy from an online seller. You do the math and consider gas prices, time spent etc, and then YOU decide if you want to buy online or from a brick & mortar flea market.
If you go for the online seller, you go for his/her rules. If you don't want it, don't worry! Someone else will.