Amazon has many sellers. They can sell items at whatever price they want to list them for. I have seen the same item listed cheap and expensive, depending on which seller it is.

I agree, Amazon is not always the best pricing and not everything is on PRIME

I must have bought at least 4 of those "purple thangs" and they just seem to walk away! Probably off breeding in a corner somewhere, and some time I'll find 100 of them! They are just molded plastic sticks that you use as your seam goes under the presser foot to keep it straight. I currently use half a bamboo skewer and it works pretty well.

If you google it, you will find pictures, but it is a tool to keep your fingers away from your needle. I just use my seam ripper for that, and for turning corners out, I use a knitting needle.

It pays to shop around.

When I compare prices to Amazon I also add the shipping cost if that is the only thing I plan to buy -- sometimes the shipping cost is as much or more than the item. On MSQ the flat rate is $5 if less that $100 is purchased, so if all you bought was That Purple Thang, you would spend $8.50 for the item if you count shipping. Let the buyer beware.

Shipping costs are also a joke. I just paid $6.50 for 1 yd of fabric I ordered from a place on ebay -- the postage on the envelop was $1.20 and it arrived in the same time frame as priority would, but the seller got some bonus money.

I am lucky to have 3 LQS within 20 minutes of my home and I am always happy to support them... even if things are a few cents more than the internet. I would be lost if they didn't exist.

I have a purple thang I don't use much. One of the things I like about Amazon Prime is that I don't have to use gas to drive all over to comparison shop locally. And most places aren't too thrilled for people to call in and ask prices. By the time a gallon or two of gas is factored in it is cheaper just to have it delivered. At least where I live.

"That purple thing" is a purple colored, plastic, skewer length, thin gadget that is sort of slightly curved, blunt-pointed at one end (end I use to flip put interfaced pieces...like for machine appliqué), and flat T shape at other....don't use that side myself.....just a must have for me.....I don't use to guide fabric while sewing, have bamboo skewers or stiletto for that. I posted the subject because I was just a bit surprised at the price difference at that moment.....

If the item looks like it will be no longer produced, or is no longer available, someone will try to get the most $ they can.

Sizzix stopped making a certain strip die and it was offered on Amazon for over $200 by some reseller.

Someone must have acquired a case of purple thangs and is trying their luck.

Weidner is a reseller and her prices match the current prices - shipping would be the only difference as she is a reseller. Adorama Camera and B&H Camera are also resellers - in the same price range. No scalping.

I've dealt with them on their own websites besides Amazon.