Why are stuff on ebay sometimes "really cheaper" than retail price? Defected or what?

[iSamurai]

I want to buy stuff off eBay... They looks promising, but I'm sceptical over the selling price. One of them is about $40 to my doorstep. I could, however, buy it in a shop which will cost me $100.

I know that:

• bidding prices can display a lower amount while higher bids are reserved
• sometimes it's sold cheap; shipment expensive
• the item could be defective/reject/stolen or whatever
• seller is new (with less than 50 ratings) could be sketchy
• bad english... you don't feel safe

Also, things I look aren't having many bids. The buy-now price are also pretty similar to the current bid price. The sellers took detailed photos and they look fine (but hey, are the selling that particular one?). They claim to be new.

So... what gives these people the ability to sell them at prices significantly lower than retails? I believe that they don't sell them at a loss O_O

 

[TEG]

They are either Wholesalers, have stolen property, or it is used.

TEG