I have purchase patterns on eBay sold this way. It did state what it was in the description, but I only paid 99 cents for them. That particular seller had a lot of them listed. Shipping was reasonable. They were neatly cut out and in a plastic sleeve. I didn't mind because I wouldn't have gotten the magazine and with quilt patterns costing upwards of $10 I thought it was an OK deal.
As for absurd shipping charges, this is often the profit margin for eBay sellers. I was recently looking at a pattern on eBay at a really great price. Surprised to see no bids on it at the last few minutes. Then I spotted the $8 shipping. Not saying it is right, but it's the buyers responsibility to check out the fine (and not so fine) print.