[WWI] ot: Ebay shipping costs

[ernest thomas]

Mixed feelings and experiences on this subject.
While I approve of cheating ebay on principle, (STICK IT TO DA MAN!) doing 
it by way of hitting the buyer with ridiculous s&h isn't the way, simply 
because you're also sticking to the buyer, which voids any good karma you 
might get from cheating 'the man.' But seriously....
My few personal ebay purchases had the s&h inflated somewhat, but not 
criminally so. I was able, philosophically,to allow for the time the person 
took to go get the packing material and also run to the PO, which can easily 
take 45 minutes out of your lunch hour if there's a big line.
My kids have bought a few things, usually happy meal toys, where the item 
cost 99cents and the s&h was$4.00 for a 85 cents postage on a non-padded 
envelope. Didn't occur to me to flame them in the feedback, but it will from 
now on. Yes, the s&h was disclosed up front, but there still has to be valid 
justification for it.
My last ebay purchase(2 days ago) was a Gashleycrumb Tinies poster for 
$6.99, with another $6.99 s&h. Assuming the poster is in new condition, as 
listed, and arrives undamaged in a suitable mailing tube, I won't complain 
because I know mailing tubes aren't free, postage on a tube is probably at 
least a few bucks, even if it's empty, and I've wanted this poster for a 
very long time and probably wouldn't have thought twice about paying $15.00 
if I'd seen it in a local store.
I'm also currently high bidder on a big(1/24) off topic kit, with estimated 
postage at $12& change, which isn't really outrageous for a box that large. 
If I get it at the current price, I made out like a bandit, postage and all. 
If someone tries to snipe me at the closing minute and I end up paying the 
maximum I bid, plus s&h, I'm still getting it cheaper than I would if I paid 
full retail, so why should I complain. If I bought it new from Squadron, I'd 
pay full retail AND s&h. And in case anyone here isn't aware, lots of mail 
order companies do mark up s&h for profit. It sucks, but it's standard 
business today.
E.

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