I have to agree with mgamber that the market place will determine what is exhorbinant shipping costs on ebay. I have often bought an item on ebay that the shipping cost was excessive but in looking at the bottom line the cost was not prohibitive. As also a seller I appreciate the overhead cost of purchasing bubble wrap, packaging tape etc that are required to properly package an item to survive the rigors of UPS or USPS. I am not inclined to start an item at an extremely low price as I fear it might sell for that. I use the starting bid as a pseudo reserve. I also include my listing and paypal fees in determining that starting bidAll and all I consider ebay a great place to participate in the advantages of free enterprise.