Alas, they be hurtin with the internet and all. I wonder how much longer they're going to be around.

When I first read your title, John Cleese's voice "I wish to register a complaint!" immediately popped into my head.

They're hurting in the letter department, what with email and all, but not hurting in the mailing packages department, what with all the small online business. But yeah, I love the PO too.

I hear you about the padding and packing, that makes me nuts. Last week I ordered two tiny packages of tiny brass jump rings for something my husband is making, was charged 9.00 shipping and "handling". I got a flat rate mail envelope with the two tiny packages dumped unceremoniously inside. No special packaging or padding, and the flat rate envelope is free from the PO, the sender didn't even have to pay for it. So I paid 9.00 shipping, and they put it into a free envelope with no extra bubble wrap or peanuts or anything, and they paid 4.90 to send it to me. I wrote them and told them I wanted the extra money back. And they gave it to me.

I sell online too and factor the packaging and extras (bubble wrap, etc) into the cost of the item. I don't double the price of shipping just because I can.

Yeah, this is one of my "things".

When I did lots of eBaying a while ago, I always packaged well, but tried to keep the weight down so that I could ship in flat rate boxes because the containers are free and it helps keep those jobs around for the kinds of people who want them or need them.

Now, more than ever, I am conscious of the people who work in the service industry (bike messengers, mail room clerks, post office employees, etc.) and how much they make my life easier. In a way, it's "trickle down," in a way, it's selfishly ensuring that I don't have to do those kinds of tedious things myself.

Plus, if I'm selling something on eBay, I want to sell it at the lowest price and if charging $1 less on shipping is what makes someone pull the trigger, that's fine with me. One should not be making money on S&H.

Whenever I order something from the US, I try to get it shipped here (Canada) via the USPS. Since there is an international border involved, there is customs clearance that has to be handled, and they all charge for that. With the postal service it's about $5. With UPS (for example) it tends to be more like $60, and for some reason, seems to take a lot longer.

Two things I would like to understand.

1. If I re-use a Priority mail box that I received in the mail, and completely obscure the box's identification, the P.O. still charges me for the box. Why?!

2. On eBay, shipping and handling fees are not part of what eBay takes a percentage of. So, adding a lot to shipping and handling increases the amount a seller will receive for the sale. Why does eBay allow this?!

I've bought on eBay and had to pay upwards of $20 for shipping/handling. It is such a scam!

MonkeyButter: I recently saw a CD box set on eBay selling for $70, which is an excellent price, but then the shipping was over $40! You're right: scam. (Esp. when another auction had the same set for a higher price, but with free shipping.)

ah-yup!

Yeah, same on Etsy - they don't take a cut from s&h. So occasionally you'll see someone list, say, a leather handbag for 10.00 and 150.00 s&h. Etsy calls this "fee avoidance" and it's a big no-no.

was charged 9.00 shipping and "handling".

But it took me time to drive to post office! And the gas, it is so expensive!

-- the response I have got every time I have complained about this scam.

Here's a response you can use: "Well yes, the gas is expensive and it takes time for you to go to the post office. It also would save you time if you shipped it to me by U.S Post and scheduled a carrier to pick up the package on a day when you're home as well. And it wouldn't cost you any money for gas at all! It's a win-win situation!"