I've been on ebay for over 3 years and have found that quite a few auction items, when including the shipping price, end up more expensive than the same item in ebay express or ebay stores. 

In ebay express and ebay stores shipping does tend to be more expensive than auction items.  I've found it helpful if I'm watching an item to find the exact same item in ebay express or an ebay store and watch both the items.  To watch an item in ebay express just add it to your cart and it will show up in my ebay under all buying.  It will even tell you if the item is no longer avaliable.  If the auction item exceeds the buy it now price, (don't forget to include the shipping costs when figuring the price), I buy the buy it now item.  You could save money plus most of the time you will get your item sooner.  Most sellers with stores or ones that advertise on ebay express tend to ship items daily. 

Just wanted to share my insight.

I hope this helps someone.

Val