One of the major outfitters in the US is REI, which is a coop. They have an amazing return policy - you bring it back and say its damaged, or that you don't like it, they refund your money. The rejects go in a quarterly "garage sale" at knock-down prices. At the last one I picked up an REI quarter dome T3 tent that had been returned "damaged". When I got it home I examined it closely expecting at least rips in the fly or midge mesh inner. Not a mark. One pole section was damaged. Cost me $16 for a replacement pole section. The tent retails for well over $300. I got mine for $14.83. Now that's a "massive" bargain. I would point out that nearly all of my kit has been rescued from garage sales, thrift stores, or is MYOG (alcohol stoves etc.).
I love a bargain
