Bought some books in France and shipping to US was ~$10. It never arrived and contacted seller who sent another. A month later the 1st shipment arrives. So I contact the seller to let them know. They want it back and will cover the return shipping. So I go to USPS who informed me shipping to France was $90. At that rate it would be cheaper for me to fly with it, 2x25kg checked bags are a hell of a lot cheaper.

While I was living abroad my mom would send me care packages and I had no idea what it was costing her to ship it. I would send her aboriginal carvings or SE Asian cooking utensils all the time and it didn't cost nearly as much.