I don't think I'm speaking out of line here since the thread I read the information from wasn't that old...
http://www.penturners.org/forum/showthread.php?t=46301
I wasn't aware that Ed was selling them too, it's been a while since I visited their site, they sure have added a lot of stuff but Ed,
have you seen Richards prices?
Actually, I have NOT. But it wouldn't matter because Richard, like all our "partners" set their own prices on "exotics". As has been noted above, we hope to offer a selection of blanks that will grow to be the a one-stop shop.
We also have chosen NOT to compete with other members of the IAP, as much as possible. So, when we wanted cactus, Curtis was the man. When we wanted Tru-Stone, Richard was it. USUALLY, "exotics" will have the same price as other sources, but that is in the hands of our "partner".
Remember, to have it available, Richard had to ship it to Racine, so he incurs SOME extra cost.
But, it you want LOTS of tru-stone, Buy direct. Want to try 2-3 pieces AND get some Polyresin blanks, THAT'S where "exotics" fits into your plans.
Although we HAD HOPED our pricing would be the same as our partners.