I also have a problem with high shipping costs. I don't mind paying a reasonable amount. I have cancelled many order when you get to the end of the transaction and shipping is way out of line. I have a problem with Keepsake Quilting, I love their stuff, but shipping is expensive and takes 2 weeks or longer even paying the extra amount. I am in Texas and they are in New Hamphire, so when I called them they said you live very far from us.
The bottom line for me is I don't want to feel ripped off in shipping. I know the costs myself from shipping to others, if it is big and heavy, bite the bullet and pay the costs---it is fair. But the needles and patterns, etc. should be a min charge.