Extravagant shipping charge

Isn't it funny how you can buy a 55 lb bag of cat-litter on Amazon for cheaper than a pet store and shipping is free? 

I don't understand all the grief the OP is getting here. $150 is too much to ship anything under a grand and smaller than laundry basket (size is more expensive than weight until well over 100#. I did a quick estimate on UPS.com and it was $49. Seller is taking advantage of you, big time.

I see this going on even with large corporate accounts. The item is on sale, but after the shipping costs it's the actual retail of the unit. I see it on Ebay as well, so unless the shipper gives me a quote, that's a no go. Having said that, on larger items, it's worth the money to take the risk. Hell, even speakers I'd have trucked in so I can go to the depot to check the packaging & if there's a problem, they won't get out of the depot. No confusion, no problems. Speakers weigh 350lbs? Won't even get off the truck without a thorough inspection & pictures if there are any problems. Without mentioning any names, I swear a fragile sticker means that there is going to be a punt, pass & kick contest in the items future 

All you have to do is call ups for a quote with zip codes ,dimensions and weight you will be with $15 of accuracy .
then tell him that you called them 
and tell him that. He s a crook.