Ran across this coin on Ebay

Charging a reasonable handling charge in addition to actual shipping is neither dishonest nor improper. But when the seller charges an amount that can only be explained as EBay fee-avoidance, his/her dishonesty is demonstrated. Jody's point is echoed in a standard instruction given to juries - "If a witness is wilfully false in one respect. his entire testimony may be distrusted."

A buyer's premium is fully and accurately disclosed for what it is. That's a difference of kind, not merely degree, from charging a premium and calling it a shipping charge.

I refuse to bid on auctions with grossly excessive S/H.

 

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Actually I am suprised that the shipping costs are not a standard cost set by dealers, informal and without consultation with each other of course, on E-bay. I agree with Cave Troll in the regard that just about everything these days has some sort of processing fees, commision costs or other hidden fees attached. Just look at a new car dealer's shipping cost, loan processing fees etc.
However, I guess as long as people like Roy and Jody only buy from low shipping cost dealers, there will be opportuntity to buy coins without that added charge. Now if we could only have that e-bay buyer attituted transferred to loans, cars, and other transactions of commerce.

 

We charge $2 first class s/h with the option of insurance (1.30) for single coins and $4.50 priority mail with the option of insurance (1.30) for proof/mint sets. $2.50 for slabbed coins and lots of over 5 coins first class. But on multiple wins, the buyer only has to pay the single highest shipping cost. We also put great care into our shipping. Every coin goes into a new 2x2 cardboard holder, is wrapped in bubble wrap, and placed in a self-sealing bag. We only use new bubble mailers. Priority shipments are put into new Priority boxes always. Large lots (if 13 oz or under) are put in 300 or 400 card count boxes - also new.

My point is, it depends what kind of shipping service you are getting for your money. I have had coins shipped to me wrapped in toilet paper and sent in a #10 envelope. Yes, the shipping I was charged was only $1, but it is not worth it to me for the danger to the coin.

If sellers shipped coins in a manner that they would want to receive them, they would pay more attention to their charge in relation to the service they provide. Personally, I think it is always a good idea to email the seller and find out how they package their items before bidding. Especially people who don't normally sell coins don't consider the potential danger to the coins when shipping. It is worth it to me to pay a little more to get better packaging. JMHO