I'm a power seller on Ebay and learned a few things the hard way. I think the main reason for high shipping is to bypass Ebays final value fees. If you ever get shafted by a seller file an "Item not received" claim with Paypal. Even if you got the item and its a piece of crap. They will lock the funds in his account. It almost always gets results. I've had to do it several times. Its amazing how fast they will email you wanting to fix the problem once they realize that Paypal froze their money!!! If you file an "Item not as described" claim YOU will have to pay the shipping back. If you get something broken or not at all dont let the seller tell you he has to file an insurance claim before he can refund you. Thats BS! and thats not your problem. He owes you your money. Period! A Paypal refund claim will wake him up. If as a seller you put in your listing that you are not responsible for lost or stolen packages, etc. Guess what? You are! You are responsible for that box until it gets to your buyers door. Paypal almost always sides with the buyer unless the seller can flat out prove the buyer got it and its in perfect condition.