... the moment the bid is placed means anything? Can't agree with you on that one. In fact, I reread your posts here regarding the posting of negative feedback when appropriate several times before deciding that you were right -- this seller deserved negative feedback (not because the charge was per se excessive, even though it was, but because the packaging was inadequate and not commensurate with the shipping charges) and other eBay buyers deserved to be put on notice in that regard. There is nothing in his auction descriptions which will alert anyone to the fact that not only does he charge excessive shipping fees, but provides no good service for those fees.

I do, however, agree that I should have read the descriptions more carefully and that sellers in general (and this guy in particular) will make out better in the long run if they conduct business in a reasonable manner. This guy didn't (and I'm not the only buyer who thinks so -- see his other negative feedbacks). ----- jim o\-S