I think this is the case. Otherwise, you could just input your zip and see quotes. Also, if this were hurting prices overall, then I should be able to routinely

I think this is the case. Otherwise, you could just input your zip and see quotes. Also, if this were hurting prices overall, then I should be able to routinely just click on `Other Sellers` and find price+shipping to be less than prime. Usually, if it is cheaper at all, it's for a week plus delivery and only a few percent cheaper in total. Most of the time though, it's actually still more expensive. I've also bought from sellers off of Amazon as they offered coupon codes and paypal purchases. It's not ideal, but it seems possible to get around this. I think it's easier for manufactures that sell direct than resellers though.