Terry-

Honestly, I dont' think you acted unethically. NOR do I think this seller acted unethically. You both acted above the 50% mark on the ethical/unethical scale. Nonetheless, I VERY DEFINITELY DO believe that his actions were more "ethical" than yours.

My defintion of business ethics is very simple: I believe that all people go into a contract with their eyes open. i believe that once said deal is struck, each party has a primary duty of living up to what he/she promised to do. I admit that others may have a different criteria for judging ethics. Yours may be "Do unto others." But under the criteria I listed above, you are the one who tried to re-negotiate after the fact. I could list 100 reasons why this is not good business. (For example -- a bidder who knew the seller would re-negotiate shipping has an advantage over a bidder who doesn't know that, and will bid more). But I will let my stated criteria stand on their own.

Now Terry- Please keep in mind that I am only posting my opinion because you asked for opinions. My opinion is no more or less valuable than anyone else's. And many more peopel agree with you than me. But I at least wanted to show another side of the story.

As for you not posting the seller's name -- I admire that, but as others have said, it's not difficult to determine. I guess being a journalist has taught me that fact.

I hope there are no hard feelings. But when asked for an opinion, I offer it.

Al