Shipping and handling is a relatively small portion of the cost of most philatelic auction lots.

The situation is different with stamp supplies because supplies are usually inexpensive but are heavy and bulky.

Shipping and Handling includes actual shipping plus other amounts lumped under the term "handling".

Handling includes the cost of packing materials. It also includes an allowance for packing time and time for travel to and from the Post Office or the UPS terminal.

Online auctions impose a significant overhead burden for inexpensive lots like stamp supplies. There are listing fees and commissions. It takes time to post lots and correspondence with buyers and potential buyers can be very time consuming. Handling covers a portion of these costs.

I list an explicit amount for shipping and handling in the description of every lot I post. For Dutch auctions I also list a reduced amount for "additional" quantities.

I usually post lots in groups or batches. If a buyer wins several lots in a single batch, I will use the base S&H for one unit and the "additional" quantities amount for all others.

If a buyer wins several lots in one or more batches or in auctions at more than one auction site (I post lots on Ebay, Amazon, Stampauctions.com and others) I may, at my discretion, reduce the S&H amount further.

I urge bidders to assume that the I will charge the S&H amount posted in the description of my lots when determining the amount they wish to bid. They should not anticipate additional reductions for combinations. Any such reductions should be treated as an unexpected bonus!

If you have additional questions about this policy please send email to me at: droth@adaptron.com