There seams to always be something wrong with ebay and people keep telling that they get ripped of, but itsn't always this way.

I bought a Jordi gun barrel for my Sherman Mk.I build. And the auction had a shipping price listed, a little high I thought but I have seen worse. So I went ahead a paid the given amount. Two days later I get a refund to my paypal account, since I paid to much shipping. This seller as it turns out has about 2500 listings and a small error happened.

So, there aren't just bad eggs on ebay.

It's the man bites dog story. You're not likely to hear about the thousands of smooth transactions that take place every day, you'll hear about the guy who gets ripped off. As long as you know what you're buying, you're well on your way to a good experience. An example, for laughs I looked up the Travelocity gnome (SWMBO thinks he's cute.) There are a good number on E-bay, almost all starting at aboout $20 US. Thing is, Travelocity is selling them for $15!
Another common complaint is the shipping is too high. Most sales list it or have a calculator for the rate. Sales that don't list shipping cost can simply be avoided.
In general, it's obviously an acceptable means of commerce or it wouldn't be as successful as it is.

Like Al says-Man bites dog never gets heard.As for shipping charges,if you don't see it stated,ask via e-mail.Seller could be a noob or might be charged by EvilBay for that line on his page .When you get the answer back,save it for ref.
cheers!

I have only had one problem with eBay . It took a while to get it resolved but it was finally done.

I have made several purchases through ebay..and as of yet..have only had one problem..which was fixed very quickly. Like Al has said..you just need to check out who your buying from , read the feedbacks..

Mary (++)

I too have never had any problems buying on eBay, and I was a pretty heavy user for while.

On the selling end, I only had one problem ever, a deadbeat buyer and it was resovled to my satisfaction fairly quickly. And, when selling, I always try to make sure the shipping costs are accurate and will offer refunds if I overcharge. Sometimes people take me up on the offer, sometimes not, but no one ever seemed unhappy with the transaction.