That the reason a seller has a low item price, and a outrageously high shipping price is compensation. Most customers on eBay feel that a "vintage" vacuum cleaner is a rare and valuable item, solely based on age. So they place the item price low or reasonable, making us think we are getting a "deal", and then they place the shipping high to makeup for what THEY feel the are out on the item price. Thinking we wont catch on or notice, because a vacuum cleaner is a large item. Notice collectors that sell machines on eBay, meaning my self, and others pretty much always have good shipping. Because we know what it takes to correctly ship a machine. I try to stay away from those listings, unless it is a difficult machine to ship (like a Hoover Dail.A.Matic, or a self propelled Eureka upright, or a Hoover Concept). I'm sorry for your difficulties. I hope you find one =)

Phillip