Thanks to One Fat Frog Restaurant Equipment for this quick guide for those new to eBay and wishing to purchase discount food service equipment at auction. 

On Ebay there are three main types of purchases for foodservice and restaurant equipment.  There is:

•  the traditional auction that generally comes in 3, 5 and 7 day variations- it may also be accompanied by a Buy-it-Now button with a bit higher price.  This means that someone can in fact swipe the item even if you have already bid on the item and purchase it at the higher buy it now price.  If it's a one of a kind item or is located closer to you (ie- lower shipping) I highly recommend it.
  
• Buy it now:  this listing may be 3,5 7 or 10 days and means that whenever someone hits the Buy-it-now or BIN button that it's theres.  So, while the listing may reflect that there are an additional 20 days, it does not automatically mean that the item will be available for another 20 days. 
  
• Store 30 day item:  This is much like a BIN but it's put in the person's store.  This means, buy it when you want it, don't wait it could be gone!
  

What are the benefits of buying new and used restaurant equipment from a DEALER on ebay?  Explore that dealer on the internet- do they really have a brick and mortar store or are they staging pictures in front of their home garage?  There is a difference- see One Fat Frog