pmitch said:This is quite a common tactic used by sellers from China and Hong Kong in particular. It appears to be a way of setting a 'reserve' price without actually having a reserve. No-one is really suggesting it costs that much to post [check the stamps when it arrives].
Another tactic sellers often use, is to add in huge 'insurance' premiums. I suppose from their point of view, where they may have ten or fifteen identical items on auction each day, it's a way of ensuring that a $1 buyer ends up paying $60. Like it or lump it, it's one of the common tactics on eBay.
PS: I've updated my blog on fake nano's for those who are interested.
http://aussie149.wordpress.com/tag/ipods-and-mp3s/
I think it is also to help sell into countries with high VAT (value added tax) because then the buyer is charged on the $10 price not the $300 shipping.
Greg
