a strangely satisfying Ebay encounter

[Paul Smith]

I spotted a little offering of spare parts for $5.  It looked like some might come in handy so I bid $9.99.

Too late, I spotted that the shipping was $25.   Rather than go through the hassle of attempting to rescind my bid, sent the seller a message that his shipping was excessive and prayed that somebody would outbid me. 
This morning somebody bid $10.00 and got me off the hook - AND - the seller dropped his shipping to $8.38.

So, I didn't want the junk for $35 total, but I still might take a poke at $19.

[Dan McEntee]

  Yeah, I have been finding that 10 dollar items that have $15.99 shipping don't get much interest. I know shipping costs have gotten ridiculous but I think some sellers are padding their S&H costs to help their bottom line. I have been shipping smaller stuff in the last year and even an engine box isn't too bad, but 20 bucks that some sellers want, just doesn't make sense. I have learned to look at shipping cost first now, if an item catches my interest.
  Type at you later,
   Dan McEntee

[Peter in Fairfax, VA]

$25 sounds high, though not sure of the weight.  An engine like a Fox shipped in a box is under 12 ounces and ships at about $5 USPS.

[Dan McEntee]

$25 sounds high, though not sure of the weight.  An engine like a Fox shipped in a box is under 12 ounces and ships at about $5 USPS.

      When I sell something, I list a price, plus "actual shipping" if i don't include that with the item. And if the buyer wants I send then a screen shot of the quote. Even without using Pirateship, some stuff still isn't too bad and that is the stuff that sellers are padding their shipping quotes on. When you reach the 30" long dimension is when all bets are off!!
  Type at you later,
  Dan McEntee

[Allen Eshleman]

I had a pleasant Ebay experience of another variety.  Someone posted a brand new LA 25 (RC) for $100.00.  I immediately hit make an offer.  It suggested $94.00.  I bid that.  He said yes.  Including postage, I received the brand new LA-25 for a few pennies less than $100.00.  I still have to convert it to CL but I already have a complete NVA set for it.

[Dennis Toth]

 Shipping is a second source of income for some sellers. As Peter pointed out should ship at a much lower rate than listed. I like the idea of challenging sellers/shippers on the amount they charge.

Best,    DennisT

[john e. holliday]

Well the clerk at the USPS couldn't explain to me why an engine that I sent to Canada was $45.00  and a back plate to Indonisia was less than $20.00.