[XeniaMania]

Being a former manager at a retail/e-comm company I can say this. You pay for service when going into a retail store. Service you will not get online since most online sites are self-serve, or wait till your email gets answered. There is also the cost of shipping, dry goods are ok, since ground is sufficient, but for livestock, you need to go next day air. There are 2 types of shoppers, ones who care about price, and ones who care about relationships. Personally, I'd buy dry goods online, but as for my livestock, it's always my preference to see them in person, and to be able to get them into my tank within an hour or 2 (including acclimation).