I hate to feel like I've been taken.  So, I decided to write this guide for buyers about shipping fees for small items sent through the post office. 

 Please don't bid on anything until you check the shipping charges that should be listed in every auction, there is no reason not to have a shipping charge listed.  Sellers can list a set fee, or put in a calculator that shows the cost by weight.  There seems to be more and more sellers who try to make a larger profit by overcharging unwary buyers for shipping/handling fees on small items.  When you find that terrific "bargain", it may not be such a great buy when you get to the fine print. 

I have noticed also that several sellers recently who have added notes to their descriptions about how much time, energy and expense it is for them to mail a even a tiny package.  Some even tell you that they have to find a box and packaging; wrap the item; dress and pack up their kids and the packages; drive to the post office; stand in line; and then pay for postage, and YOU should pay for this...baloney! 

Postage and/or shipping labels can be printed right on the computer, priority mail boxes are provided free, and the post office will pick up (for free), right at the front door.  These sellers never need get out of their fuzzy slippers to mail anything other than registered mail.  There are many small, inexpensive weight scales offered right on eBay, the same for packaging materials and bubble envelopes. And, yes, I DO know.  I've been selling on eBay for about eight years,  and the only time I go to the post office is for registered mail to send things over $500.  

So, rationalizing their high shipping fees is not justification, it is simply a ploy to make you feel guilty about balking at their unrealistic charges; and make a bigger profit for themselves.  But, you can help stop this frustrating practice.  For instance:  if you buy a small piece of jewelry, weighing less than a couple of ounces, and it is to be sent by first class mail, with delivery confirmation (which PayPal demands), in a bubble envelope, the total charge should be just a few dollars.  This pays for the packaging, postage and seller's time, and does not take advantage of the buyer.

Costs, of course, are different for other types of shipping.  If the seller only uses the free packaging for priority mail, the cost is figured by what zone the package is going to...but...it is a set cost by the postal authority, and depends on actual weight, not an outrageous guess or inflated weight set by the seller.  This is easily checked by going to the usps site and putting in the information. 

 If insurance is required or requested, that is also a set fee, based on the item's selling price, not what a seller decides it should be worth.  If the package is lost, the post office will only reimburse you for the amount you can prove you paid for it.   Also, if the seller requires insurance, make sure when you receive the package that insurance has actually been purchased.  This is another trick some less than honest sellers use to get just a little more money from you, by charging you for insurance, but never actually paying to insure the package.

Only you, the buyer, can stop this...if the shipping is unreasonable, don't bid on the item.  If the piece you are looking at is new, then there are probably several other sellers listing the same thing.  Check them all out.  You can also send a (nice) note to any seller, simply telling them that their inflated shipping charge is sending you to other sellers who are more honest.  I've found several "fantastic bargains" that I have just refused to bid, as the seller is offering a low price, but recoups his profit by overcharging on shipping.

Another trick by some sellers is not showing a shipping charge at all.  I got taken badly when I first started buying on eBay.  I bid on a small wood statue that weighed about 6 ounces.  The seller noted in his description that shipping would be figured at the end of the auction.  When the auction was complete, he sent me an invoice for $14.00 shipping charge plus $3.00 for insurance (the piece I purchased sold for $8.00).  When I balked at the price, he threatened to leave negative feedback and contact eBay to have me suspended.  At the time this intimidated me, and I meekly paid him and just chalked it up to experience.  By the way, when the package arrived it was in a used cookie box, wrapped with a little newspaper and sent by first class mail for less than $2.00 with no "required" insurance.  Even if you are a new buyer...do not fall for threats.  eBay does not suspend anyone on some seller's word, and they do not allow sellers to threaten buyers.  Besides, overcharging on shipping is a violation as are threats, and the buyer should be the one to report them to eBay.

Just remember, always check the shipping charge.  If it is not listed, email the seller and do not bid if he/she ignores your request.  Honest sellers will answer.  And, if you find an item listed on eBay with outrageous shipping, report it.  I've noticed a lot more small items with starting bids of $ .99 or $1.99 and shipping charges over $20.00, this IS simply circumvention of eBay fees, and need to be reported.

There are too many fair and honest sellers to allow the unscrupulous ones to receive the benefit of your hard-earned dollars.