Spit, Actually, where feasible, what is common in the online retail world is not disimilar to that in the "real" world. Countless investors in web based operations discovered that to their financial dismay. I note that computer software is also merchandised quite heavily in brick and mortar stores so yes, they do have products that can be updated. Of course, online establishments do have opportunities unavailable to actual physical stores. The glaring example is virtually unlimited inventory of an item at no additional expense- the ultimate in supply and demand economics. While email addresses of various parties do indeed change, physical stores and their suppliers also frequently change locations. I think that it may be more accurate to compare merchants at a web store front to a physical store's product suppliers rather than people who consign products. The difference is that it is much easier and less expensive for someone to get their product into Renderosity, et al, than into an outfit like Sears. I agree that additional downloads are necessary at times. But that we may freely replace a damaged or lost item in this manner is not a characteristic of online versus offline purchases. It is the nature of the product. For instance, in the event of loss the Photoshop I purchased downtown can still be replaced at little additional cost- just not as conveniently as online. If you lose a radio purchased online I rather doubt that the online merchant will be easily persuaded to replace it at no cost. In the end, if merchants wish to retain and increase their customer base it is up to them to nurture the relationship- not the store that carries their products for what may be a limited time only. The needs of stores, suppliers and customers do not change just because the purchase venue is the web versus the street. In summary, I agree that your proposal would be beneficial to the buyer. I disagree only that it is a right we may demand. If a web retailer does offer such a service it will be not the result of ethical obligation but of shrewd marketing (which is a good reason in itself.)