Buying on the Ebay website is a great experience for most buyers.  Newer buyers though find themselves getting the short end of the stick.  Most unpleasant situations on Ebay deal with shipping and the problems that arise.  Some of the things I have noticed to watch out for. 

The first thing to watch out for is the low cost high shipping auctions.  I am not talking about something costs a nickel and then you pay $3-4 for shipping.  I am talking about the cellphones and the such.  They sell the item for .01- $1.00 and then charge $39.99 for shipping.  If you have a problem and want a refund no one refunds shipping so you will get back .01 - $1.00 and that is all.  If you send it back that seller will just sell it again using the same method.  Ebay uses feedback as a major way to combat this.  But as a seller I notice that new ebayers don't know anyhting about feedback or how to use it.  Don't always look at the number of stars they have look at the percentage of positive.  That is what tells you you real information.  Also when bidding look at the shipping listed on the item and the instructions.  Sometimes there is nothing listed there or the listing states there is a discount when you buy more.  But when you scroll to the bottom there is nothing there.  Always contact the seller if it is not plainly stated and if they don't respond, don't buy.  Check with another seller.  The great thing about ebay is there is always someone else selling the item you are looking for.  Usually they are tons of the same item you want.  So don't get in a rush.  Last  read the feedback that the seller you are dealing with has.  If there are several neutral entries and they say that his packaging was terrible then there is a chance that the item you bid on will arrive broke.  Ebay is a great avenue for finding and purchasing items but be careful out there not everyone is selling with a heart.  Some of them are very greedy and won't make things right.  And a new one be careful when you buy an item from a seller and he states his shipping is done on the weekend.  I have bought items from a seller and then a day later bought another.  He states he doesn't ship until the weekend but tells me I need to send a shipping for the second purchase.  In this situation check the postmark if they are both for the same day still leave a positive feedback but you reconsider whether purchase from that buyer again.  No one likes to be nickeled and dimed.  Lastly if you seller sends you your items in a United States Postal Box that is free and charges almost five dollars you may want to reconsider using them.  If however it is a box or padded envelope they purchased themselves the you can understand the costs.