It really depends upon what you are ordering.

Some things are clearly not worth ordering, because of shipping costs, particularly if you are placing small orders.

However other items, such as batteries, motors, ESC's, that have lower weights per cost on equivalent domestically sold items, so are good bargains.

A good idea is to do as said and see if you can get close to the same costs domestically as suggested.

I don't mind paying a few dollars more to purchase something locally, even factoring in shipping, particularly since local returns and support are worth the added expense.

However if I'm ordering four 6S 5000mAh packs and see a $120.00 difference in price on EACH pack... even if shipping costs me $40.00, I'll go with the cheaper option.