The purpose of this guide is to help the buyer protect themselves, and have a good e-bay experience.

Beware of sellers who refuse to give you a quote for shipping.  The terms and conditions that govern e-bay are fairly rigid.  If you purchase a product, and don't have an understanding of what shipping costs are, you will have no recourse if the seller jacks up the shipping costs.  It will be your fault because you didn't ask.

There is a shipping calculator that any seller can imbed in his page, to help buyers understand what shipping costs will be.  Be cautious of any seller that says "Don't e-mail me"!!  Big warning sign.  Their feedback may look good, but do you want to be the one who gets burned???

There are probably many sellers that have the product you are looking for.  Take your time, ask questions, build a relationship with the seller.  That will increase your odds of not getting burned. When you do have a good transaction, add them to your favorite seller list, and visit them first the next time you go "e-baying".

As well, beware of sellers that don't accept PayPal, or pressure you to leave feedback before they will leave feedback for you.  Here are a couple of things you need to understand and remember:  If you, the buyer, leave positive feedback, only then to discover that there are problems with the product you just purchased, you are essentially screwed.  You have no recourse.  For example, if you purchase a product to install on your motorcycle, don't leave feedback until the product is installed and you are completely satisfied. Even if you don't install the product for two weeks, don't leave feedback.

Unless you can afford to lose your money, be extremely cautious of sending checks or money orders.  All you have is your word that you sent money.  If you absolutely must spend many thousands of dollars on a purchase, do it wisely.  I was considering a $15,000.00 vehicle purchase once.  The seller was over a 1000 miles away.  I bought an airplane ticket for $500.00, and rented a car for $50.00.  I went and inspected the vehicle.  The point is, if you can't afford to invest a little bit up front, how can you afford to make a bad purchase that you will have to dump tons of $$$ into?

Be cautious, be aware, ask questions, and have a good e-bay experience.