Yea, shipping sucks the big one.
Trust me, most companies would love to get away with cheap or no shipping costs... but the fact of the matter is that it cost mucho dinero to ship out most items.
If companies were not to charge for shipping, then they would lose money on smaller items (as they would spend the profit+ on the free shipping). This in turn would mean that the shipping costs would end up getting folded into all of the other items. In other words, you would end up paying for it through higher prices.
I think of it kind of like taxes. No one wants to pay them, but everyone wants nice roads, hospitals and the like.
Designer Nails sends anything it can via First Class post... but were put under pressure after an enamel bottle once broke and leaked.... yup... now even if you buy 1 enamel bottle... it has to go First Class. Bummer huh?
Several companies can absorb the shipping costs when a certain amount of products are purchased (i.e. £100 worth) or some (i.e. Designer Nails) work on a 'points' type of system that essentially gives you most of your shipping costs back, but allows you to spend them how you want (i.e. take £10 off your order).
As far as charging VAT on it... wish that didnt have to happen as well. The fact is that if you charge for something... you must pay the Vat man 17.5% on it. Once again, you either pay for it in the cost of your goods, or clear as day (VAT on your invoice). Thats one of the funny things at Trade Shows. Designer Nails has alsways charged VAT because Designer Nails always has to pay VAT (it is illegal to say 'no vat' as it is illegal not to charge the VAT). The VAT isnt going to the company, it is going to the Tax man.
I know it sucks... wish it wasnt so... but I guess its one of those things you can always be sure of in life... Death, Tax, and Shipping