I've bought and sold many items on ebay. It is a great place to do either, IF you are careful. I never buy from anyone that doesn't have at least 20 feedbacks. If they have more then 3% in complaints (the "you never can make everyone happy" factor) I won't do business with them, no matter how much I want what they have for auction. I email the seller, before I bid, and get all my questions answered. Especially the one on shipping cost. Pictures are nice but don't tell the whole story - ask questions.
I think if a person does a little homework, pays attention to feedback and gets shipping cost settled before the end of an auction, ebay can be a great place to find a huge variety of items. I've purchased antique wrist watches, die-cast model Porsches', a steam engine, a p-car cover, floormats, bicycle wheels, computer parts, etc. on ebay and have always been pleased with my purchases.
Of course, that doesn't mean stuff still can't happen, but it sure helps. I love ebay, I can sit here in my office, at home, and buy a new $800 pair of wheels for my road bike for $500 and pay no sales tax. Plus get delivered to my front door
