I feel really bad about it. But if, say, a book is $10 cheaper online, and they deliver it to my door in a day or two without me having to wait in line, why would I buy in the store?

I do this a lot with books, but also electronics and even groceries.

I always feel guilty about it. After all, the store has gone through the trouble and expense of finding a location, paying the lease, hiring employees and stocking their shelves. I take advantage of their investment, yet don't contribute with my purchase.

Am I helping to drive them out of business? Am I being a hypocrite for enjoying services I am unwilling to pay for? Am I doing something akin to stealing?

While I ponder these questions, I realize that I'm not breaking the law, or even breaking any company rules that I'm aware of. Retailers (both online and offline) are engaged in a contest with customers to see who can get what they can from the other.