Here is a copy of the very first paragraph to the price guide section of several past issues of more recent A.C. reference catalogs... that many readers fail to grasp.

"For users of this estimated value guide, it would be helpful to keep in mind that the following information has been compiled from various sources and represents what the author feels is a fair representation of estimated retail prices from established dealers for chips and tokens in choice excellent mint to near-mint condition (AU-UNC)"

Having said that, buyers and sellers are free to negotiate whatever price they can get for individual chips they have for sale. Catalogs in general (not only mine) are simply tools to use as a guide. Yes, ebay is another valuable source where bargains can be found, but ebay is not a retail outlet; it is a public auction, sometimes used as a last resort to dispose of no longer wanted items.