eBay shipping shipping charge gouge?

[sonicHeart]

Ok, long story short. I purchased a card for $1.47 on eBay. There was no mention of ANY shipping cost anywhere in the auction. Unfortunately I was not able to get info from the seller prior to the auction ending about shipping costs.

The auction actually says "See item description for shipping costs" and there is nothing in the description. So, I emailed the guy and asked for a more reasonable rate of $3.00. Especially since we both live in the same state (he later said that he's in the military in North Carolina).

This is the latest message back:

"my shipping price is 4.99, thats what i charge everyone, anyone that asks for the price thats what i tell them, regardless of what card it is, its 4.99, thats what i stick to so there isnt fluctuation from where one person lives to the next, thats just what i charge"

here is the link for the auction: LINK

So what should I do? I want the card, but can do without it based on the principle of the matter. Suggestions please? Is there a way out of it through eBay since the shipping was not properly disclosed?

[arkaneinc]

personally i would have never bid without knowing the shipping and technically in the auction it says to read the description or contact the seller for the shipping price. so i dont know what you can do.

if you really want the card then pay for it and chalk it up to a life lesson

[sonicHeart]

Well, at this point I'm trying to negotiate with him to a $3 shipping charge or just make the auction a non-transaction. He says he "always" charges $5 etc.. I said that he should indicate that in his auction listing. He also recently said that he will file a dispute and I told him to go ahead that I have a legitimate reason for not paying at this point. Anyway, it will certainly be interesting to see how this plays out. If eBay says i'm screwed and I have to pay it, then fine I will.

[slamma3]

unfortunately I agree with Arkaneinc. I would not bid on an auction without knowing the shipping. There are ALOT of dealers on the Bay who charge HUGE shipping ($5-$10) on cards or boxes for one reason. Shipping is not used to calculate fees. By charging higher S/H they do not pay as many fees. Excessive shipping costs will not be a good enough reason for Ebay to waive the "non-paying bidder" penalty unless it is $10 or so on one card. Unfortuantely I think you are going to have to pay the $4.99 or risk getting a non-paying bidder penalty (3 and you are suspended). I always shy away from auctions which do not list the shipping myself. I hope this helps.

[thenext54]

I would pay it and move on, otherwise you are going to get neg. feedback. As a seller myself, sometimes shipping is the only way to get close to a fair price on cards like that (I have never charged more than $3 for one card though). its just part of the hobby