Some places to look for equipment at a reasonable price are Amazon.com and B&H Photo and Video. They are both very reliable, and their prices are competitive. Amazon offers its stuff through other stores, but stands behind them.
I recently was looking for the Sony DCR-DVD505 camcorder online. I noted a link to bestpricecameras. (this is no way an ad for this place) The price was $499. I called them and the salesperson told me that only the camera was for that price and that I would need to buy a battery and a charger, all totalling over $800. The salesperson then asked if I wanted an extended warranty. He told me a 4 year would be $299. I told him I had a budget and did not want to spend over $1000. He then said he could have do the extended warranty, throw in some lens filters ($229 value) and have the camera to me the next week for $999. I told him that I would think about it, and call back.
The next day, after seeing I could buy the accessories much cheaper, I placed an order online for only the camcorder. I received an email, to confirm the order by calling one of the sales representative. The salesperson, again tried to get me to buy the camera plus accessories. When I told him I didn't want the accessories, he told me the soonest I could get the camera was in 6 to 8 weeks, and that I could cancel if I wanted.
I suppose you get what you pay for, but whether this is good business practice or not, I am not sure. I would like to hear any experiences that you all have had. And to beware some of these online sites.

Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic