Auction House Shipping Price, what is reasonable?

[frankbmd]

Several years ago I won a couple of slabbed cards (Cobb and Young) from REA, my first auction house experience. My cost without BP was around $2300. I checked the invoice soon after the auction closed late that night (I was in Vegas) and was shocked to see a shipping and handling fee of $1000.00 in addition to the added BP. I didn't sleep well that night and also avoided the blackjack table as well.

The next day there was an Email confirmation notice of my purchase with a note saying that S & H would be determined and a copy of the completed invoice would soon be available. Later that day I received the invoice, now with a shipping fee of $20, I believe. Still too much for two slabs, but a helluvalot better than $1000.

The psychology of the thousand dollar default in their program, probably reduces complaints, but for me, it made me miserable for about 24 hours. Chances are I may have saved over $20, by not playing blackjack that night, so I guess the S & H was free.

Thank you REA, I think???