why can ebay stores sell for so much less

Why is it that these eBay stores can sell name-brand merchandise for so much lower than places like Crutchfield? I don't buy from eBay, I always feel that it's worth saving up and buying from a respectable establishment, but I'm just wondering how much more business Crutchfield, Best Buy, Circuit City, etc. would do if they made their prices competitive with what you can find with a little bit of looking around.

Thoughts?

Well yeah, because the great majority aren't authorized dealers. But I just don't get how they can charge so much less. I'm aware that there are a few fly-by-night outfits that sell stolen/fake gear, but other than that, how are the other stores getting their stock that they can sell for up to 100s less?

100!

Real simiple they are cutting out the other people that touch the item. The more people that touch an item the more the price goes up. There are a few vendors that are authorized vendors and are just clearing out there older items. I admit I do use both places the local guys and ebay, some of the local guys don't have the stuff I want and the ones that do what to charge full retail price. I really miss my old local stereo shop but since I have moved I have not found a place that I am loyal to.

Heck I used to hang out just to bs when they were not too busy, learned alot there!

Refurbished !!!

Thats what most of that stuff is

no or small over head cost and no R&R work.     the money you save is the money you have to spend doubled if something is/goes wrong with the equipment.