Seeking opinons and knowledge on E-bay.

[clancy_boy]

I have used eBay and PayPal for years, but only as a small time buyer/seller. For little things that are really unavailable in my local area or are "used" and hard to find, I find ebay to be a great resource. I will not put out alot of money on the hope that I get a good deal on something that I cannot see, but a few dollars (less than a $100), the risk is not that big. It should be treated like one big garage sale, U buy it, U own it.

I started a bank accout at a local credit union with no fees. That is where the PayPal account is linked to. Never any funds in the account that amount to much. I do not use it for anything else. Once money is transfered to me I empty the account leaving $5 to keep it active, same thing in reverse when I buy.

[Wabbiteer]

Two hundred purchases on eBay and have not been hurt so far.

Well, actually if looking at items by degrees, the wall-plate switches purchased from Airstream's Company Store were the most disappointing since they surplussed off the ones with weak plastic catches so half of the covers dislodge with feather-tip pressure. Nothing double-sided tape can't cure.

The only less than positive feedback I've been forced to give was to the United Postal Services lost freight store - sent me two helical geared shaft RPM reducers that had revolution motion-in, no-motion out... I mean how hard could've it been to check that. Okay, $9.99 and $12 shipping I'm not out much but its the intent that bothered me.

Once I doubled clicked the "pay" button and paid twice - eBay customer service promptly sent the seller a scary letter & I got my funds back.

I've driven to Maine, Maryland, Colorado, Oregon and Austin,Texas to pick items up to avoid freight charges - some of the best touring I've done and seen people and places (and $5.20 gallon gas on NY turnpike) that I would not have otherwise.

All in all, eBay and PayPal are only as toxic as you let them be.

Intelligently using their search engine and entering terms & filters to be notified by mail anytime in the next year when an item does appear is extremely valuable.