Bizarre Amazon Pricing

I will admit I was spoiled by the online shopping services in Japan. The array of products available through Rakuten Ichiba and the speed of Amazon were amazing. There were times when I ordered something in the morning and it was delivered in the afternoon. As anyone in the business knows, the "last mile" is a big challenge to delivery.

Amazon Canada is a very different animal. And Canada is a very different challenge. Huge country, small population. Delivery times can vary from two days to two months.

Pricing is also sporadic. Yesterday I saw an interesting book about Vancouver's history in the local UBC book store. At $50 it seemed somewhat reasonable but (perhaps out of habit) I checked the price on Amazon. The lowest price offered was about $76, plus tax and shipping but there were also prices in the hundreds, including the above.

All things considered I will attempt to support local businesses for my shopping as long as it doesn't involve a lengthy drive or bus ride.