Bob,

I agree that the guy isn't being dishonest about the cost, but he is being dishonest with Ebay.

But the most important reason why a buyer should not buy this item from him is that they lose all their protection from Ebay. Ebay's $200 insurance (really only $175) would not pay a penny on this because they do not insure the shipping costs. So if you pay him and he doesn't ship, your insurance claim would be denied because it is below the $25 deductible.