Yeah-- get one of the eBay knockoffs. I have both the dumb version (no timer) and the smart version (timer/intervalometer; 4 modes)... for something like 5 and 3 years respectively. Haven't even changed the battery on the intervalometer once. And it's the kind that always stays on!
I've taught night photography workshops for 5 years. The single most common point of equipment failure is Chinese timer remote knock-offs. Some of them eat batteries. Others stop working entirely. It's a crap shoot. I've seen Neewer, Aputure, and Satechi remotes fail in the field.
That being said, the price for the Canon TC-80N3 is a bit ridiculous. I've had good luck with the Cowboystudio remote available on Amazon for about $30: http://amzn.to/WBpEL2
The only difference between this remote and the Canon one is the plug is straight instead of L-shaped. Once it's plugged into the camera it works the same. Make sure to get an extra CR2032 battery or two -- also much cheaper on Amazon than in any stores.
