We want you to know that you're not alone in trying to find the ultimate deal on eBay. Most sellers are also frequent buyers... and we also want a deal - and we don't want to overpay for shipping either. As both (buyer/seller), I implore you as a buyer to be a little more understanding and aware of shipping rates.

UPS vs USPS... As I have stated in our auction terms, the post office is really not that often the least expensive option when all services are factored in. It's a country wide assumption that I wish we could do away with. The post offices rates have increased dramatically over the past few years, and since they do not offer accounts to businesses (the way UPS or even Fedex does), the rates are the rates are the rates. There's never any discount involved. As an account holder with UPS, the more we ship, the better our rates are. We get to pass those savings on to our customers.

Softening the blow... Check out the cost of packaging bubbles or peanuts the next time you're in an office supply store or even a major chain like Target or Wal-mart. It costs a small fortune - but it is a necessary evil to insure that you get the item you purchased in good condition. Boxes cost money too. We reuse and recycle everything we can - for the benefit of the earth and for all of our pocket books as well, but some items require very specific packaging. We do our best to keep costs down, but cannot always meet everyone's expectations. So please, check out the shipping rate that we quoted before you bid and if it is too much, just don't bid. Don't assume that we can or will reduce the rate once you win, it's not fair and creates many problems.

"I don't need insurance"... The next time you tell a seller that you don't want to pay for the insurance on a USPS package, ask yourself if you're going to be cool enough to eat the cost of replacing the item yourself should something happen to the first one - the one you didn't want to insure... If you answer honestly, I bet you really do want the insurance!