The problem with having a face to face relationship is that I would not be able to afford many, or _as_ many, things if I had to buy them at full retail from, say, the LBS. That being said, these shoes _did_ come from a LBS, just not one in my city.

BF is also getting a high-end saddle, about $80 less than retail, from an eBay seller. I looked at last night- original box, pristine condition. And a pair of high-end bike shorts, $60 less that retail, brand new, with tags, perfect condition. I have almost always, in close to 200 eBay transactions, found the sellers to be reliably honest about the condition of their product.

I _am_ going to return the shoes, (after BF tries them on for fit and ruins the surprise...) and I guess I won't trust that merchant any more.

Nanci