antelopedundee
internet bum
To me, shipping can be a game changer in where I buy. I look at the total cost, and many times the shipping can be the deciding factor. Companies that use UPS, they have a minimum change regardless of size or weight, used to be $9.95 but probably higher now. I rarely buy from MSC for that reason anymore, I can order from McMasterCarr and they will drop the same small thing in a padded envelope and ship for a few bucks.
Sales tax can be a killer too.