I just recently found something I really liked but would never have purchased the item because the seller was trying to charge $36.00 for shipping and handling.  I wrote her to ask why the charges were so high for an item I know would ship for approx. $5.00 if not less... she told me that included in the shipping fee was taxes she has to pay... (who pays taxes for things they sell on e bay?), and the cost of the item.  I thought it was against e bay policy to include the price you paid for the item in your shipping and handling.... its shipping and handling... not shipping handling and the cost of the item.  Thats what the whole bidding and buy it now process is for.I understand sellers charging for the items they ship the product in such as the box or bubble envelope, and even an extra $1.00 for the trip to the post office (gas is simply outrageous right now) However Charging a handling fee of $5 or more is just not fair to the buyer.  Its a good Idea for buyers to do their homework on Shipping and Handling charges, know the approximate amount that it would cost to ship something.  Its not fair for buyers to have to pay outrageous shipping costs when they are all ready paying for the item.  If a seller does not want to sell their item for less than a certain amount then start the bidding at that amount... or place a reserve on the item.  Don't add extra to your S&H just so you can start your bidding a $.99....
     For Example I just shipped a 35 lb box of clothing by parcel post (2-9 day shipping window) for $16.88, so there is no reason for a single outfit or piece of clothing to have a shipping and Handling charge of more than $5.00 (like the infant outfit I just viewed with shipping of $15.00, it most likely weighs 4 to 5 ounces, and that would cost approx $2.50-$3.00 by First Class Mail).  Also if you are purchasing a heavy item that you know will fit into a flat rate box... The Small and Large Flat Rate Boxes are were $8.95 however they went up to $9.30, and I'm pretty sure the Extra Large Flat rate boxes are still $12.95...ask your seller if they can ship your item(s) via Flat rate!  Flat Rate Boxes can hold up to 70lbs and the extra large box is pretty big!  The whole point of this guide is for buyers to be educated when it comes to shipping charges... don't pay more than is fair!  I strongly believe that its abuse of the whole e bay process to over charge uneducated customers when it comes to shipping and handling... were all here on e bay for the same reason.  Yes, buyers want and Deal, and Sellers want to make a profit... but there is a much more honest way to go about making profit. 
    If you feel that a seller is charging you outrageous shipping costs, ask for the weight of the item.  By first Class Mail nothing over 13 ounces will cost more than $5.00 to ship and by Parcel Post even less.  Ask if you can choose the method of shipment, and educate yourself on shipping rates at USPS.com!
    I myself don't charge handling fees, I absorb them with the ending cost of my items.  That is why you will never see me start an auction at $.99 and up rate my shipping charges in an attempt to look like  I'm trying to give a great deal. I will always be upfront and fair when it comes to my starting bids (I start my bidding at $1.00 less than I actually paid for the item or for used items the minimum I think they are worth).   I try to be as fair and accurate as possible when it comes to S&H so if you think I'm charging too much for it on any of my items please let me know!  Also if you believe that my selling price for an item is too high message me and let me know, hopefully we can work something out if it is something you are really interested in bidding on!
    This guide was not intended to upset any sellers who do in fact charge high shipping and handling fees, in the least.  I'm just a buyer as much as a seller and I'm simply speaking my mind on a subject that I think is very relevant to the e bay community.  And I know from being a seller that when I place low shipping and handling charges or give free shipping and handling on my smaller items... they go much much faster.  Customers respond to discounts and deals... thats just the way the world works.
I RECENTLY CAME ACROSS A SELLER WHO WAS SELLING DVD'S.  I JUST SOLD A LOT OF 982 DVD'S VIA FED EX.  THIS SHIPMENT ONLY COST ME $87.57 FOR 225.30LBS OF MOVIES.  THIS SELLER IS CHARGING $114.95 TO SHIP 254 MOVIES VIA FED EX AS WELL AND $108.00 TO SHIP 234 MOVIES VIA FED EX AS WELL.  THIS IS A GROSS DISPLAY OF SCAMMING THE BUYER.  THERE IS NO REASON TO CHARGE 4 TIMES AS MUCH FOR SHIPPING AND HANDLING.  THE ACTUAL AMOUNT THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN CHARGED FOR THE 75LBS OF MOVIES HE CLAIMS TO BE SHIPPING IS A MERE $25.88.  I UNDERSTAND CHARGING FOR THE BOX HE IS SHIPPING THEM IN ABOUT $5.00 AND MAYBE A ROLL OF SHIPPING TAPE $3.49... BUT AN EXTRA $80.58 IS JUST ...WELL... A SCAM! SO BUYERS OF DVD'S BEWARE... IT ONLY COSTS $87.57 TO SHIP 982... THEREFORE IT SHOULDNT COST MUCH TO SHIP SMALLER LOTS.  HANDLING FEES ARE NOT THERE TO CHARGE YOUR CUSTOMERS WHAT YOU WANT.  THEY ARE THERE TO CHARGE YOUR CUSTOMERS FOR HANDLING... BOXES...TAPE...ECT.  DON'T ABUSE THIS POLICY.  E BAY IS TAKING THIS MATTER INTO HIGH REGUARDS AND KEEPING AN EYE OUT FOR SELLERS ABUSING THE SHIPPING AND HANDLING FEE POLICY!!!!!!  IF YOU BELIEVE A SELLER IS ABUSING THIS POLICY REPORT THEM TO E BAY AND THEY WILL SURELY HANDLE IT!
And Have a Great Day*