>> So, a previously unmentioned handling fee is OK by Ebay standards?
>>
>> I had no idea.
>>
>> SO, I could list an item at .99, list postate at .99 and legitimately charge >> $10 as a "handling fee?"
>>
>>That would be my last bid on an auction by that seller.

Yes this is okay according to Ebay.  The only complaint you might get is that $10 is excessive.  You will notice that on the auction page where shipping is listed, the word HANDLING is not mentioned.  It only says SHIPPING COST.  Handling is something that the seller can determine after the auction has finished and then add it in to the additional fees box on the Ebay checkout.

I think you are probably right with the shipping calculator.  It says

"All prices include any packaging and handling fees charged by the seller."

so you would probably have a case if it was more than that.

Did he ADD $4 to the total, or was the shipping what the calculator said? If he added it, phuq him. If not, the calc says it all. I had thought you meant he added $4 to the total.

I think its a bit of a shame that you've felt bullied into paying the $4. You seem to have done everything legitimately and still are out a few dollars.
However, I would reiterate what someone else (can't be bothered to check back for who!) said and would just about guarantee that the sellers shoddy treatment of you will have cost him more than a lousy $4 in the long run - It doesn't matter who you are,you cant go around acting like this.  A lot of people read these boards, many of them are serious 'players' and many are going to boycott these auctions now.
Just seems a shame really. (FWIW I would have bitten the big one and paid as well, all the time cursing the poxy git!)

If he was happy he wouldn't be bitching about the handling fee.
So, he added the fee afterwards. I wish I had known you needed the bound copy, like I said earlier, I'd have gladly traded it to you. In fact, I'd have GIVEN it to you if you had told the guy where to go.
Industry figure. Hmmm. Here's how I have always viewed these things. He sits down to take a crap, he has cried at least 3 times in his life, and he has masturbated multiple times. He is good at what he does, and was a pioneer in his field.
I've done all these things (except the crying). So he is no different than me. I would never presume to think I am better than the next guy. I'm one of the best at what I do, but I spend no time licking my own nuts about it. Everyone has their talents, and some people are in the right place at the right time. That doesn't make them gods, or even demigods.
So is an autograph worth a $4 porking? That is your decision. Personally I'd have told him to piss off. But I am an abrasive cornhole and a realist by nature.
The important thing to remember is that EVERYTHING comes up sooner or later. Patience is the key. I waited 6 years to pick up a Rahasia, passed on several that went for $900+, and eventually got one for 1/2 that. ATWM II will show up again, and again, and again. It is not rare enough that it warrants compromising your principles. I don't give a crap if it is $4 or $4,000. Compromising your principles is like giving up your cherry. Once it's broken, there's no getting it back.
Back to my libation to Bacchus.............

After Mark confirmed the extra handling charge, I messaged the Seller through Ebay. Here is his response:

Greg Stafford  <[email protected]> to me
 More options   9:57 am (1 hour ago)

Dear Zhowar,

Thanks for your letter. I'm new to this, and I'm always interested to
learn how
to do it beter, or more corectly, or whatever.

> I've heard that you charge an unlisted handling fee after the auction
> ends. Is this true

Is it unlisted?
I essentialy had a "selling template" made by a friend. When I make a new
listing I see that there is a $4.00 handling fee included when I make the
entry. This is for the sturdy box, my time in packing and walking it to the
post office, etc.

But does it not appear when the entry is lised then?

Do you know how I can make it appear?

I note that when I invoice people there is a slot to enter, on the invoice, a
handling fee, and I enter it there. But if it's not visible before
that, then I
can see why it's "unlisted."

> and if so, how much are these fees?

$4.00. Do you feel this is unreasonable?

> Why don't you list them in the auction?

As noted aove, I thought it would be. Is there something I ought to be
checking
or listing somewhere else, or sometnhing

> Is it only if you want the item signed?

No, the autograph is part of the normal price.

========================
Sincerely,
Greg Stafford

I won't have time to respond until later tonight. Feel free to post any advice I should give him here.


.

I received a follow-up message (I haven't messaged him back yet)

Response from mrissaries
-------------------------------------------------------

mrissaries (31)
Positive Feedback:  100%
Member Since:  Mar-01-06
Location:  CA,United States
Registered On:  www.ebay.com

Item: SONS OF KARGZANT, Glorantha, HQ,RQ, Unspoken Word (8800935383)
This message was sent while the listing was active.
mrissaries is the seller.
-------------------------------------------------------
I believe I answered this via my other email,
I believe I've inadvertantly charged twice for handling charges sent via invoice. My mistake. I intend to pay overcharges back, and am doing some checking through right now.

--Greg

Okay, I messaged him back with this:

Hello. Thank you for your quick response to my previous message. After your first mail I thought maybe this is what had happened. I'm glad that you figured it out.

By the way, in the future you may want to advertise your auctions at http://www.acaeum.com
It's a D&D collecting website but the members have diverse interests and there is a Collecting General - Non TSR section where your auctions have been advertised previously by Steve Marsh (posting as Ethesis):
about3652.html

The members would also welcome any posts by you, if you are so inclined.

Kingofwendar wrote:Hi there, I am hoping I could get a comment on this s&h price I got a while back: $21.25 for shipping to Norway when the postage on the envelope says $6.75. Smells a bit like highway robbery to me, but I am only an amateur... Can someone enlighten me here? Thanks in advance...

WOW!!!      

who was the seller?