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Like most people, I started out using Ebay as a garage sale. I've bought and sold antique diving equipment, trains and books, and most recently have an interest in knives and japanese swords. I have gotten a few good deals, but often I have been blatantly robbed by people who claim they are scrupulous, honest dealers. The standard pose is, "you should have asked the correct questions before buying". Any veteran Ebayer knows how that feels! Now, I mostly sell, and buy nothing without doing my homework first.
So far, my feedback is my reputation, and if I ever get a negative, it will not come from robbing people, it just means you can't satisfy everyone. I always try to work things out, and have lost money on some deals, but I'd rather do that that be wrongly labelled a crook. I try to provide decent items, and acquire the same.
So, watch out for frauds, ask lots of questions, and compare items on Ebay with others off site if you can. Don't accept PayPal payments without delivery confirmation! PayPal will hold your account at the first complaint by the buyer, and if you have no confirmation, tough luck.
Read feedback carefully! Scan way back, and sometimes you will find "good" feedback, but with ominous follow up comments (Even mine, apparently). Listen to your instincts, and don't be afraid to walk away from a deal. I've retracted bids when I discovered that "authentic" antiques were actually reproductions.
Don't buy from sellers who hide their feedback or bid on private auctions unless you know exactly who you're dealing with and what you're buying. Hidden auctions prevent other members from contacting you about potential fraud. Hidden feedback could be hiding important information about a seller. Have fun looking and bidding, but don't forget, Caveat Emptor!
One thing that really burns me are phony or misrepresented dive helmets! I bought one on Ebay, a Draeger, it looked great in the photo and, right up until I received it, I was convinced it was the real deal.Upon seeing it out of the wrapper, I was horrified to see that, yes, it was a Draeger, but the glass was window pane glass, glued in place, the serial numbers didn't match, and none of the valves worked. It was worth about $300. I paid $3000. I still remember the seller's response: "You should have asked me about that". You know that sinking feeling you get when the world collapses under you? Read the Ebay guides on Helmets, and see my links below, also this one http://home.earthlink.net/~nbrass1/markv.htm, this one http://www.descocorp.com/diving_helmets.htm, and this one directly identifies scam helmets on Ebay http://www.sea-corps.com/. Do your homework and don't get screwed, it's just wrecks your harmony.
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