Hi All,
This has bugged me for a while now.
No subject on this board has had as many postings as the subject of shipping and handling costs. Most of the time it has been related to Ebay and sometimes with other references.
Despite ridiculously long threads on this subject, I can remember no one making the most important point, in my view. When buying or bidding, you should look at the total cost, no matter how that is broken down.
Some people refuse to buy from someone or bid on their auctions because they consider their shipping and handling costs too high. To me, it does not make sense to pay $20 with no shipping and handling for a chip while that chip is offered for $10 with $5 shipping and handling, for example. The total cost is what is important to me and should be to everyone. What do I care what the seller calls it? I am still writing a check for $20 in one case and $15 in the other case.
It seems simple to me. The only problem I have is when the shipping and handling is not stated. Then, I will not buy or bid till I find out what the costs are.
I recently participated in a mail auction. I had almost forgotten about mail auctions. The minimum bids or estimates seemed reasonable. When I got through reading the fine print, I realized what a good deal Ebay is, compared to the old fashioned mail auctions. There was a 10% buyer's fee, indefinite shipping and handling, a limit to how much your bid could be reduced, and a charge for a list of the auction results. Compare that to Ebay and WOW! what a difference.
Now, I feel better.
Thanks--Alan.