Why are some people so far apart on shipping prices, even when they are shipping from the same country state or location.

[robertjamesthain]

some items are as much as 3 times higher for the same product, and same shipping service, why not ask what you want for the item, and charge the actual shipping cost, why try to make a profit on shipping???

[waterships]

Other than buyer beware of course, remember that "actual" shipping cost might be, say, $15.00 - but then you have to add on the cost of shipping supplies (which may or may not be substantial), ebay postage fees, paypal receipt fees and post office taxes - none of which will show on the parcel or stamp value. This may bump it up to, say $23.00.

Yes, some sellers do charge extortionate postal fees and you can easily avoid buying from them - I know that this happens mostly with those who sell outside their "home" country and don't really want the hassle of selling to another country but will do - if it is worth their while.

Most ebay sellers simply try to recoup their shippings costs.

Also remember that an item weighing 200gm may weigh 400gm in its shipping packaging - extra cost.

If you are not sure you can always go to an external website for the item you are looking for and check out their postage - but remember the item may cost more even if they discount shipping because they have a bulk account with the postal carrier.

It is all swings and roundabouts. You pay your money and make your choice!

[nubian_treasures]

One seller's expenses may be greater than another seller's expenses.

There are some sellers who are physically unable to get to the post office so they must rely on someone else to do it and may have to charge a little extra in shipping to the buyers. Or a seller may pay for their shipping materials compared to another seller who may get their materials for free so they're shipping cost in the listings may be far less than someone elses.

I used to sell a lot in years gone by but anymore. When I did, I had almost zero shipping expenses. My boxes were free. My envelopes were free. I would get these packing pillows for free as well as bubble wrap on occasion. Just about the only thing I paid for was tape and sometimes paper. My usual shipping expenses, other than the actual cost charged by the post office, was usually 1 cent per item if that much. Because of that, I charged a low shipping amount to my buyers.

Someone else may not be so fortunate so they would charge a higher shipping amount because their expenses were higher.