Did the seller state in their ad that they are 
charging the "actual shipping cost" or that the 
buyer pays for "exact shipping cost"?  If not, 
then I think all these replies are off-base.  It 
is the seller's responsibility to inquire about 
shipping costs if they aren't clearly stated in 
the ad.  I never buy from a seller who doesn't 
list exact shipping costs, because by bidding on 
their item you are giving them carte blanche to 
charge whatever they want.  If he wants to charge 
you $30 for shipping a cel, he can do it.  Your 
only real recourse would be to never buy from them 
again.

When you buy from an online retailer, they often 
simply list a shipping cost based on weight.  How 
often do you call that retailer and argue with 
their shipping rates???  ("I know you charge $5 
for a one-pound package, but Priority is only 
$3.85, and tape and a box is about $0.85, so I'd 
like a $0.30 refund, please.")    ;-)

I know this isn't what you want to hear, but it's 
the truth.  You goofed.  You should have inquired 
about shipping costs beforehand.  Live and learn. 
 (It's how we all grow.)  ^_^

I suppose it couldn't hurt to mention your 
displeasure about the shipping costs, but being 
pushy about it just puts you in a bad light.

And for the record, I always state my shipping 
costs in my ads.  I usually charge less than my 
actual costs, unless it is a really inexpensive 
item, in which case I'll pad the shipping to pay 
for my trip to the PO and for materials, since I'm 
probably not making anything from the actual item.

Sorry this has been a bad experience for you.

JP