How come shipping is so much?

[moanico]

I'm new here and I'm wondering how come the shipping is so expensive and actually sometimes more than the actual item. I'm just buying fabric panels.

Can you negotiate the way it is sent "like just normal snail mail" as opposed to faster ways? If so how?

Thanks for the help 🙂

[pierrelebel]

Cost of handling, packaging and shipping has nothing to do with value.

Cost is generally determined by weight, measurements and distance traveled.

Are you looking at Canadian sellers or American sellers?

Shipping parcels within Canada is expensive.  For example, a typical 1" thick hard cover used book, worth $3 to $5, will cost from $10 to $15 to ship within Canada - using the cheapest rate possible.

If coming from the USA. much depends on the method of transportation used. Many US sellers are now using the Global Shipping Program (GSP) which, quite frankly, is not suitable for most Canadian buyers in most instances, more so for low value transactions.

If you feel the shipping charge in a listing is too high you can always contact the seller and ask if it could be shipped cheaper.  To do so, use the "Ask a question" link available under the description section of all eBay listings.

Good Luck.

[moanico]

Thank you so much your info was very helpful.

Since I'm purchasing light weight small fabric articles, that I can mostly find in the U.S. I will directly contact the seller and ask to have it shipped cheaper if possible, thank you!