I'm sure this happens with non-Lego items as well, but I've noticed that the Passenger Train 7938 sells for $160 on eBay, yet it's still available from Lego for $130. Even with tax and shipping it's still cheaper to get it from Lego (plus you get VIP points). So why do people buy off eBay? I actually sold two Red Cargo Trains for over retail a year ago when it was still readily available. I just don't get it. I'm curious how many sets this occurs for. Retail is for suckers, so what are the people who pay MORE than retail? (and yes, I wish I still had those red cargo trains)

Well, I know I can speak for myself, sometimes I get carried away with bidding on an item and really want to just WIN. I could care less about the item, but I want to beat the other guy, so I bid...and sometimes I spend a little more money than I want. This is usually what new eBayers do. Now I myself am more experienced, so I don't get carried away. ;)

Some of if may be foreign buyers....remember LEGO is ridiculously expensive in many countries. So they may be paying more that US retail but below their retail.

Some people may not even know there is a LEGO Shop at Home site for Lego. On the other hand it seems odd if they don

Some of if may be foreign buyers....remember LEGO is ridiculously expensive in many countries. So they may be paying more that US retail but below their retail.

Correct. Some countries you cannot buy Lego sets in unless you get it from EBAY.

Some people are loyal to the eBay brand. Just like people who always shop at Amazon because 85% of the time prices are cheaper at Amazon. For whatever reasons they do not shop around to compare prices and assume they always get the best deal at Amazon (or eBay).

Keep in mind also that some people use their ebay reward bucks, meaning their out of pocket costs are less than the actual final bid.

International buyers are definitely a big part of it. I'm one myself. It can be hard sourcing cheap Lego deals in some countries, plus those just looking to buy and build will turn to an easy site like Ebay to get them.

This happens in the UK as well where lego is more expensive. The LOTR sets are going for near retail at the moment, certainly more than the amazon discounts. Which is annoying cos I keep getting outbid! ;)

People pay more at my EBAY store because of my AWESOME customer service and fast shipping. Go to walmart, pay less for unfriendly, unknowledgable workers who could care less if you shop there or not. This is why many mom and pop shops survive - AWESOME customer service. Not every EBAY seller has this, I'm just talking about MY EBAY store.