Pin economics?

[Abrakadabra]

Can someone please explain to me how a seller on eBay can sell for $3.95 the same pin that I just paid $6.95 for in one of the parks? I know that they also charge shipping and handling, but still, even with that added it still doesn't seem like it would make it worth their while. So I must assume that they are getting these pins somewhere other than the parks at a great discount. Are these sources accessible to the ordinary public?

What is even more puzzling is when I see limited edition pins selling for much less than list price. How do they do it?!? Enlightenment please...

 

[hopemax]

Because sometimes they sell pins at the Cast Member stores for less than retail. My Mom was told by some of her co-workers that this past week they had some for $.99 but by the time she went she couldn't find any.