Half.com changed their format to display retail pricing for dvds in a more prominent manner on the item listing pages (scroll down and see what DeepDiscountDVD, Buy.com, DVDEmpire, etc. charges). All fine retailers from whom I regularly buy (using DVDTalk links, of course!).

My question- why? How does this help Half.com? It has caused me to lower my price on several items because now I'm competing directly with other sellers AND low price retailers. Fewer sales and lower selling prices means Half.com gets less commission on my sales (a juicy 15% cut). I'm sure they get a percentage from the retailers... but that much? Or boost their volume that much to offset the loss of revenue from little guys like me?

I admit it's good for the buyer- I am a buyer as well- to have choices, but I still feel like I don't get it.

I agree ... I don't think most of the buying public is aware of DVD Empire, DVD Planet or DDD. While it is great advertising for them, it sometimes undercuts our ability to sell an item and thus lose $$$ for half.com.

If the customer knew about these other places, they wouldn't shop at Half. There is nothing wrong with a little competition. I think it will help boost my sales.

Does this mean that half.com might just start living up to it's name, and actually have some items that are half-off?