Build the cost of shipping into your auction. Make it reasonable -- charge, say, a fixed $3 per bidder -- but be flexible if someone buys something that cost them $3 and only costs $1 to ship.

In overseas arrangements, sometimes it works best if you can exchange LEGO^® for LEGO^® and each pay shipping on your end. After all, most non-U.S. sets are in available in Europe, and most U.S.-only sets are not. See what you can work out.

Declare your shipping fee intentions clearly in your opening announcement. Some examples:

• "Free shipping if you live in the U.S. Otherwise, you pay shipping."
• "Fixed $3 shipping fee if you live in the U.S."
• "Buyer pays shipping."

When it comes time to settle up, there should be no surprises.

8 Jan 96 [TSL]