Any item purchased online, whether old or new, carries with it the added burden of shipping charges. Oftentimes the charges are fair, and other times they are obviously padded to help the seller recoup their time and selling fees often associated with online auctions and stores. Be observant when considering if a shipping charge is worth its value. If an item was a good deal to begin with, and you know your chance of finding it elsewhere is small, consider these issues. In the same breadth, some sellers ship an item at a lower rate, hoping to entice a buyer not wanting to overspend. However, if that item becomes lost or damaged, your chance of recouping the item or its value is low. Pay a fair amount on shipping for an item that you want to arrive in the condition it was sent. If the seller does not offer more than one form of shipping, email him or her with your concerns before you place a bid or make the purchase.
Shopping online for antiques and collectibles should be looked at as an additional outlet to find that coveted piece you have not been able to uncover anywhere else. It also opens up a world of antique and collectible hunting to those who are unable or no longer want to traipse around in search of the next great find. Be smart, have fun, and good luck!