I keep my shipping as low as I possibly can and also add Delivery Confirmation to everything out of my OWN pocket as an added benefit for both myself AND the buyer
And it's very cheap if you do it on line for the other types of shipping as well. It's .13 for Parcel post delivery confirmation.
I'm a real fan of eBay. I made enough last year to equal my salary before I retired. It was a lot of work...and even though, others are saying, some items are selling..right now, on the eBay boards, you will read that compared to past years, this is one of the slowest times on eBay. The figures show that people on at any given time are way down, and bids are lower than they have been in past years. I've certainly noticed that starting bids are way down. Lots of paper work when you sell on eBay. I have paper work galore..keeping track of taxes, both income and sales tax (I need to collect sales tax in my state, as I sell new items and items I buy especially to resell..and becasue of that, I also have to pay income and self employment taxes). So be sure to do your homework on that part as well.
That said...for those of you looking to sell on eBay, you really should go to eBay..click on sell, and take the tutorial, and read the FAQ's. It's easy..but, you may not make your fortune. Lots of success stories, but you have to realize that it's an auciton..if you start too low, you may get stung. You have to do your homework, and look up completed auctions, and see if what you have, is selling (although it may not that week!). I know a lot of people who have 100% sell-through, but sell items so cheaply, that they really aren't making much, after they pay eBay listing, ending fees, and Paypal.
Once you become a seller, you may see some things differently. I have over 1600 positive feedbacks, and not one complaint about my shipping (or anything else). However, I do charge a handling fee, because it costs me to "handle" the item. It costs me for bubble wrap (I get mine delivered locally, but I suggest if that's not available to you you buy through bubblefast or another major player on ebay..not through a paper store...you'll be surprised how much you'll save), boxes (I just don't have the time to use "used" boxes, since the post office insists that all writing be crossed out completely, and it just takes too much time to turn them inside out), and I pay .70 each for boxes (I get them by the several hundred..and use priority when appropriate). By buying boxes, I can often save on the shipping to the buyer, since I don't feel pressured to ship Priority. Tape! Wow, do I go through tape like it's water. Priority tape is free..but only when I ship Priority. My post Office is a hike, and at $1.80 a gallon for gas..that's got to be covered. Shipping/handling fees should cover your costs. I have some items that I may have to charge $10 for handling..because they have to be sent in form fitting foam, as well as bubble wrap, and be insured (I decide if an item will be insured...and I charge for it, since I can't afford to replace something that I sold for $100..and if it doesn't show up..I'm the one they will do a reverse on Paypal). I get my shipping peanuts form friends, and a gift shop..I use several hugh garbage bags a month..but luckily, I don't have to purcase them. I don't make money on shipping, but I won't apologize for getting my expenses paid for, anymore than any on-line store you buy from will apologize. My shipping/handling is always listed (as well as what type of shipping), so the bidders really need to read and judge based on your total, before bidding. That's their responsibility. You'll learn quickly, it's important to get back your expenses. Don't sell yourself short. Be careful when giving a shipping cost. Be sure you have weighed the item "packed". Packaging ads weight. A 2# Priority package to zone 8 will cost $5.75..a 2 # 1 oz Priority package to zone 8 will cost $8.55. If you sell the item for $5.00, after fees, you won't have much if you make a 1 oz error in your shipping quote. eBay does not allow for excessive shipping, if it looks like the s/h is really to avoid fees..but they seem to realize that sometimes the s/h is high. You can't go by what someone started the bigging at..just becasue an item starts at $1, and s/h is $5..doesn't mean that it doesn't cost that for s/h. A lot of items can't ship media..or even if it can..read the auciton, and don't bid if you are happy with the s/h. Ask before you bid, what type of s/h, so you aren't disappointed. I just sold a Little Tikes doll house..$45 to ship to California from NY...it was big..it didn't way a lot..but it was big. That was actual...the price stamped on the box...so it may not be just the weight..but the demensions...you may need to know the girth to get the accurate shipping.
Make sure you accurately describe your item. Nothing worse than missing a stain or tear. It's hard to judge your own item...you may have to ask a friend to help. Check your category...some people only look under the category your item should be listed under. A child's fisher price toy may not get looked at, if your auto settings are on Household..and you forget to change it.
Pictures are important. I've seen a child's fisher price toy with a blurry picture go for the $2.00 opening bid..and someone else sell the same toy for $15, with a clear picture and good description. I've seen kids clothes in a pile, on a bed (unmade) go for $1 for the lot..and another pile on hangers, ironed with a nice picture, go for $20..same brand.
So there is work involved..but you can really reap the benefits.
Doris
I also accept money orders, but a lot of buyers don't like to hassle with going out to get them. I would say that accepting checks is a personal choice. The main potential problem is that they might bounce and then you have to deal with all the hassle of getting paid *and* recouping any fees. 
