Hello:
> ... looked carefully at the shipping costs before ...
Of course.
> ... wanted $63 and up in shipping ...
Shipping costs have gone up exponentially in the lat three/four years.
From anywhere to anywhere, lotsa $$$.
I have found that you have to avoid using *anything* but economy shipping with tracking, bear the waiting times and hope things do not get lost.
> ... a cheap bastrich, and can't spend ...
Yes, so am I.
And as import taxes are usually levied on cost+shipping, it stings more.
Best,
JHM