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Removal of free Postage & Packaging polic
 

EMAIL JUST RECEIVED FROM EBAY:

In 2009 a mandatory free Postage & Packaging (P&P) policy
was introduced in categories where excessive postage
charges were a problem. Although buyers have responded
positively, some sellers indicated this is having a negative
impact on their listings and asked for alternative options
to prevent excessive postage. This is especially when listing in the auction style format with a low starting price. SELLER NEWS
Therefore, to help drive further sales, the existing free P&P policy will be removed and replaced with maximum limits to Postage & Packaging charges from 8 February 2010.
Buyers continue to respond positively to free Postage & Packaging. Sellers who offer it on their fixed price listings will continue to receive a boost in search results.
Regards,
The eBay team

I believe they're trying to further prevent sellers from hiding from a final value fee in shipping and handling.

Buyers see the shipping and handling charges up front, well before they decide to buy. For this reason alone, this is just a profit game with eBay. It's absolute garbage.