Condition of any item can be subjective to a degree. Many items are cleaned and polished. If the item description shows photos of an item in both an unclean and cleaned/polished condition, buyer will receive the item in the cleaned condition. Verso areas are occasionally not cleaned or polished, as the back side of collectible pieces can attest age and quality/design of construction. Any question as to condition or authenticity must be made within 3 days of receipt of item. Any appraiser, no matter the degree of appraiser's training and experience, can be mistaken. Right is retained to contest buyer's/seller's claims against authenticity.
Little to no profit is made from shipping. In fact, most bidders effectively pay no shipping charge. However, shipping charges are structured to promote multiple purchases. For this auction shipping charge is $13 for 1 item, $8.50 for two items, and FREE shipping for 3 or more items purchased.
There is also a 1.5% up charge on payments by phone. This is only a pass through charge, since the credit card companies charge sellers an additional fee to process phone charges.