This is why you use monoprice.com. Every time you need a cable, you actually order 4. It's still 1/4 the price of buying it from a retail store, and then when a friend needs a cable for that new tv he just bought, you can hand him one, for 1/4 the price of what he'd pay in stores, and he thanks you, AND you've just paid for your own cables.
Really, just don't ever buy a cable in a store. Ever. Getting a TV? Plan it ahead of time. Buying new tech? Make sure you have the cables already.
We're talking about an average 20x price markup on these cables, and sometimes significantly more (network cables I'm looking at you!).
Knowing your options is the first step in not getting screwed.
The original poster is precisely correct from my experience.
The only time I purchased a cable online was when I bought someone a gift that required the HD cable.
All the other times, we ran around the corner to Shopko and paid whatever their price was because we had a new HD system setup and wanted it in HD. Now.
I really don't think it's a casual purchase for most people, and I certainly never considered buying more than one at a time.
And when you've paid $150 dollars for a disneyland park hopper pass, that $12 slice of pizza and small soda doesn't seem that bad either, but you're still being taken to the cleaners.
Really, just don't ever buy a cable in a store. Ever. Getting a TV? Plan it ahead of time. Buying new tech? Make sure you have the cables already.
We're talking about an average 20x price markup on these cables, and sometimes significantly more (network cables I'm looking at you!).
Knowing your options is the first step in not getting screwed.