re: Is it normal for shipping to cost more than the product?

Most places add a shipping AND handling fee... so part of that fee goes to the common carrier, park of that fee is probably a markup on the common carrier fee, and part of that fee is what the company keeps for pulling the item and sticking it in a box.

I only buy online though if it's something I can't find in a store, or it's cheaper when it's in a store. If it's the same price and available in the store, then paying for shipping and handling makes no sense, unless you just hate going to the store.

My wife is famous for this, Zach. There has been more than once where she's ordered something and with coupons, codes, etc, the item is essentially free... and we just have to pay for shipping.