So the eBAY seller has been so kind as to delay shipping while I thought I could perhaps let his scope go to a neighbor of his, (fellow CNer), (and save him the packaging hassle). In the meantime I had a great deal brewing in Wash. D.C. for what appeared to be an older scope with all the fixin's. That deal appears to have fallen apart with a cross-generational breakdown (father/son) not me, not mine! I gave the eBAY seller the go ahead to pack it. This he's done with a lot of trauma and riding of the learning curve.I think he probably has done a terrific job. He's ready to ship, gets it priced, and realized it will cost double what he had thought it would and what I had paid for. I'm not sure why I'm writing this. Perhaps I need a boost. If the vintage, (even though I have been assured by many shouldn't affect quality) were verified to be older I probably wouldn't be hesitating. So here are my options as I see them.

Call the deal off. He offered that because of the extra $90 shipping cost.

Have it shipped...$150 scope and $180 shipping. Hope it is a good specimen. OW.

If I call it off I'm actually going to make him keep $45 (1/2 of the shipping money for his efforts so far in packing)

I'm leaning toward just doing it because I know this extra cost took him by surprise and he's already been tortured enough learning about all the different size bubble wrap and where to find packing peanuts at 2 in the morning. I believe him to be a stand up guy. I'm not asking what you think he should do, but rather what should I do?

OK, I just need two of you to say DO IT! and I paypal him the extra. Just two. Sheesh, I never thought coming over to the dark side (reflectors) would be so difficult!

other Keith