This is a little outside my usual range of topics, but since it might help others...
I've spent a considerable amount of time over the past few days doing a lot of comparison pricing on a list of martial arts goods, and from this experience I've reached some general conclusions.
First, by and large, with the exceptions of either rare and scattered deep discounts, or high-end products, and taking into account shipping and handling fees, it seems that prices tend to be close, and to even out if you're in the market for a list of things. As such, this kind of intense shopping around is probably not really worthwhile most of the time.
It seems that many dojo websites are now affiliating with martial arts vendors, too, so that the dojo can sell what is needed to their students without managing their own store and stock. (Several suppliers seem to have affiliate programs of this sort - Century seems to be everywhere, while high-end supplier Tozando also has a similar program. If you belong to a dojo that participates in such a program, it would be worthy to use its site unless there is a compelling reason not to.
Also important, if you belong to a dojo (or otherwise have an instructor) and you are shopping for things to wear or use in that dojo, it is very wise to consult with the instructor on any preferences, or even just for advice.
If your dojo has no such program, on a similar principle, unless there is a significant reason not to (huge difference in price, for example) it's a good idea to buy local. Interestingly enough one item I am interested in is cheapest (aside from a sold out clearance sale by one supplier who was discontinuing the item) at one of the stores here in New York City, where as a general rule prices are higher than in most other parts of the USA. So, even here, buying local can be a savings.
On the other hand, if you do want or need to do comparison shopping online, it's important to make the effort of adding everything together, AND any shipping and any other fees. Also, in many cases, you'll see a basic price in a listing for an item, but the actual price for an item may be higher for different details, such as size or color, so make sure you check the options you want and get the full price for the exact version you want. Some sites have flat rate prices, but others will have those variations I just described. Some sites will automatically calculate the correct price from your chosen options and show it on the page, others will have a note in the drop-down menus for choosing the options telling you what the additional cost is, which you have to add to the base price yourself.
Always check the size charts, since there is some variation between different manufacturers ... aside from there being some different size systems from different countries that you may encounter. Also check any customer reviews, as I found several sites where customers consistently recommending ordering a size higher than indicated by the chart, either because the fit was tighter than expected, or because (in the case of cotton garments) they might shrink in the wash when first laundered.
Finally, to repeat my main bit of advice from this week of price-shopping - I have my doubts if doing this will be worthwhile most of the time. If you don't have a source through your dojo, then find either a local business if possible (if they carry what you're specifically looking for) or a trustworthy online business that has the items you need... it is not likely that price differences will add up to any greatly substantial difference. However, if your budget is very tight, you may luck out if you browse around for closeouts and clearances.
Readers are welcome to comment with any additional tips, or questions.
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