Many retailers are willing to accept very slim profit margins when selling on Ebay. The overhead is low on Ebay sales, and it augments the higher profits they make in their retail stores. They know that while many buyers are comfortable buying on Ebay, many others will want to see, touch and feel the actual product in their stores before buying -- and they're charging a premium for that service and the added costs incurred for it.

Also, beware of shipping and handling costs -- many Ebayers charge much more than the actual shipping costs to further augment their profits (shipping and handling are not subject to Ebay fees). If a tent is selling for $100 below retail but you're paying $70 for shipping, you're really not getting much of a discount.

Finally, if it looks to good to be true, it probably is. As has been suggested, read not just a seller's rating in the feedback section, but the comments. My rule is to stay away from anybody with more than one or two negative comments. Better safe than sorry.