Amazon is offering 2 day shipping at no additional cost. You can purchase an item for cheaper through a third party, who will probably charge you for shipping which more than likely will bring the total in line with what you would pay if purchasing using Prime through Amazon. Except, they'll probably ship it standard 3-5 business day (possibly taking 7-14 days to arrive) where Amazon is going to ship it 2 day DELIVERY. (Yes, I realize it doesn't always arrive in 2 days. Blame the weather or carriers. I can't remember a prime order that wasn't picked and shipped the same or next business day).