In response to Mike Jones' comments on "Book Rate" fees, Numismatic literature dealer Charles Davis writes:

Karl Moulton notes:

Finally, George Kolbe adds

Well, George, I couldn't have summed it up better. Many is the lot I've reduced my bid on to account for the total cost of buyer's fees, shipping, etc. And many is the lot I've missed out on to more aggressive bidders. But the lots I win I'm generally happy with, for I have no one to blame but myself for paying too dearly.

From Mike's note he's already making those calculations and has passed up items due to their total cost. Also, lest our numismatic literature dealer friends get too worked up, his comments were directed primarily at the great unwashed booksellers across the internet, rather than any of our brethren dealers in particular.

As a collector, though, it can seem heartbreaking to pass up an item you'd otherwise purchase if not for the extra fees. But no matter how you slice it, the total cost is the only relevant factor. If it's not meant to be, it's not meant to be.