Is $10 too high to pay for shipping and handling on a music CD? How bad do you want that CD? So you finally found that long lost CD on eBay. You know, the one you had played to death back in the '80s, and the one that your ex- took when you split up. That CD has been out of print since then, but you miss the clinky, jangly, jumpy rhythms of that Me Generation beat. Yet, there it is, in all its glory, with a starting bid of just $1. Woohoo! You hit the jackpot!

Wait a minute!

Postage is $10? Isn't that a bit too high?

I have been selling CDs on eBay since 1999 when I first became a member with the User ID of corpsvalue. And one thing I learned is people want a good deal, including what they pay for shipping and handling. There is such thing as excessive S&H, and eBay deals with those complaints from prospective bidders.

I try to keep and shipping and handling charges to a minimum. If it's just your basic single CD in its jewel case, shipping and handling should be no more than $2. That same CD can be shipped to many countries throughout the world for only $5 or $6. If the seller is charging more than what I mentioned above, it sounds like they are trying to make up for any low bids from buyers through outrageous postage charges. That is not what eBay is all about.

Some may argue that they have higher shipping cposts to pay for gas to drive to the post office. Since I have errands to do at least once or twice a week, I include a trip to the post office as a necessary stop. Therefore, that argument falls flat with me. Besides, since you can now print postage from your computer, you can have the postal deliverer pick your items up for free.

So, as I mentioned earlier, it comes down to: How bad do you want it? If there are others selling the same CD, check their feedback, payment options, and return policy. Whenever I buy on eBay, I check the shipping and handling charges. Too high? I will check out the next eBay member's wares. I mean, what's the point in getting a great deal on that CD you've wanted only to be gouged with the S&H costs.

Happy bidding, fellow eBayers! Semper Fidelis!