VAT on an ebay item

[Flibbertyjibbet]

I just won an item for 49p with £2.99 shipping and handling (which I did think was a lot for a blow up nemo pool toy).
I get the invoice for £3.48, go to pay by paypal, and 41p vat has been added on to the total. I go back to the item, can't see any reference to vat, then email seller and ask for re-invoice as its charged me vat.
Just got a reply to say that sorry its not her rules its government.
The VAT bit is in the smallest print right at the bottom of the listing, under the postage details etc. Is this fair?
Also, is it right to be charged VAT on the postage element as postage doesn't have vat on.
I am very annoyed even though its only a small bit of money on a little item and feel like risking a bad feedback and non paying bidder strike as the seller didn't make the vat bit clear so I would leave bad feedback for them anyway.
Any ideas?

with ex-vat?? you know what I mean

Wouldn't most traders on ebay sell for £3.48 but record £2.96 ex-vat and 51p vat on their returns if they were vat registered instead of putting it on after the sale. It does smack of trying to make a profit however small.

it is rather hidden, if you're not happy don't pay, but people are just stating it was there for you to read, it was in the payment bits at the bottom which i for one generally read.

hope it gets sorted!