Bitten by the eBay bug again ...

[RobertInOntario]

Quite frankly, my LHSs do little to keep my business...one is a hoot to watch at train shows as he prices his used table. The one I do frequent is part of a museum so they can only stock so much. They order what you need at 10% off of Walther's prices---not much I know but it does support the museum with its all volunteer staff. I lose little sleep over it, my money is my money, my hobby dollar is deliberately small for other priorities I have so for me it's a stewardship issue and not one of loyalty.

That's a good point about stewardship and keeping one's hobby dollar in proportion to other priorities -- I do agree with that. I can easily get carried away and spend too much on my hobby (when I personally should be supporting various ministries and church more).

But I think being frugal and looking for eBay deals is a good way to do this. Sure, there are pitfalls to watch out for on eBay, but as I use it more and more I think I'm getting alert to these (i.e., ask the seller lots of questions if things aren't clear, deal with sellers who have good ratings, be alert re unfairly high shipping prices).

I should also curb my coffee and Starbucks spending -- that's another vice I have!

Cheers,
Rob