MTB,
Yup.
I needed a paint locker. There were none available - £500. However my local military surplus store had the one I needed for just £35. It turned out he was actually selling it on behalf of a customer. Yes, you guessed it, MOD!.
He has tons of stuff we want but while we can make a case for having it we cannot afford to buy it back.
OTOH I have new socks, boots, sleeping bags, gloves whatever at a knock down price and less hassle than trying to blag it from stores.