> What I meant to say was that when 
> someone (not 
> you) has a really good price but then has something called a 
> "shipping 
> and handling charge"  that is out of all proportion to what it should 
> be, then I consider  that a scam.

The problem is in 'out of all proportion to what it should be'. A simple
estimate: 5 minutes handling for an order, with a hourly rate of $60 =>
$5 *handling* fee per order. That is *handling*, so shipping should be
added. And the carton boxes, bubble plastic etc. I use to package stuff
are not free either. I don't know whether you consider that out of
proportion, I know some people do. 

> Especially since a lot of the time, 
> when ordering on-line, the S&H charge is not tacked on until 
> after the order has been completed (e.g., the credit card number 
> has been given).

I agree that *that* (adding an unknown extra cost) is not honest. But it
might be impossible to calculate the shipping when the order is placed,
especially for out-of-the-country customers. For instance: the
Electronic Goldmine shows a shipping cost when you place the order, but
it is for US-domestic only. Yet I must fill in my credit card details
based on this figure only. They solve this by emailing me first with the
correct amount and asking for agreement. Probably not a perfect
solution, but IMHO fair enough.

> So it was just a general gripe -- not aimed at you, and not 
> aimed at Wouter.

sigh of relief :)

Wouter van Ooijen

-- -------------------------------------------
Van Ooijen Technische Informatica: www.voti.nl
consultancy, development, PICmicro products
docent Hogeschool van Utrecht: www.voti.nl/hvu
 

-- 
http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist