first off, the message board comment was great. This board, and the information provided, has saved me countless dollars and time and heartache and frustration...
Second, come on guys, $79 for a minimum order isn't all that absurd for this hobby. Can you imagine the headache if they didn't charge it? "Ya, I'd like to order 2 hermit crabs please..." That would kill their business.
The minimum order prevents a couple of things: 1. Silly orders that would lose them money. 2. Arguing over shipping (you'd soon have people saying "but I just ordered a few snails so why do I have to have them shipped overnight?") 3. Guarrantee (which you won't find at any LFS) doesn't lose them money.
They know their business. If they have a $79 cut off it's because they have crunched the numbers and figured out that $79 is the lowest they can average and still make money.
Take into account that the product you get here is in great shape, is cheap, and is delivered to your door.