ok first like the new format of the forum...looks a bit more modernes, ok I purchased this item http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200933343165 hes charging 23 bucks for shipping should I be afraid???Chinese fakes or scammers??
My take on eBay...if I don't like something about the auction then I don't bid/buy. Things that will keep me away include high shipping, location, and poor pictures. There may be more and those aren't in any particular order...but something I keep in mind.
Always factor in shipping costs when bidding. Never bid on an auction that doesn't list the shipping price. Just one rule I bid by. Then again, I haven't been on eBay in a loooooong time.
$23 for US Light Packet is really high, even allowing for insurance. It's worth (politely) asking the seller if he/she can do better.
The shipping charge is spelled out pretty clearly in multiple areas of the listing. It seems to me the time to have worried about this was prior to purchase rather than later. Regardless, I don't see an issue.
I agree Tom. One of the things I consider when bidding is the cost of shipping, however, I thought e-bay was cracking down on auctions with shipping charges (excessive) like the one in the OP.
If I recall correctly, and I might not recall correctly, ebay instituted a policy where they started charging final value fees on shipping, too. In this way they scoop up all the folks who attempt to circumvent final value fees by charging excessive shipping. If I recall correctly, then ebay might not care that the shipping may be a few dollars too high.
The "shipping charges" are the primary reason that eBay charges final value fees on shipping. Sellers would offer high priced items and make up the difference in outrageous shipping charges which at the time, were immune to any eBay fees. Soooooooooooo, what we end up with is the exact same scenario except eBay gets a piece of the pie yet the buyers get left with the same nasty taste in their mouths. My faith in eBay has been restored as I thought for a second there that they just didn't care about us sellers!