There are several things that you can do as a buyer to:

• Get the best deal
• Protect yourself from "shady sellers"
• Have an overall good experience on eBay

1. Check the sellers feedback % number. This indicates the percentage of positive feedback given by both other sellers and buyers, that this seller has delt with. I prefer to deal with someone who has a score of at least 98% positive. We all know that "you can't please everyone", so don't let a few negative comments turn you off. The % score can also be skewed by a seller who has had few transactions, and gets a negative feedback comment.
   
2. Read the feedback comments! You can also see items that were sold. The feedback score is a eBay traders "reputation", and any smart eBayer will do all they can to protect it!
3. Look at the shipping charge! Many sellers take advantage of new bidders by  "jacking up"  the shipping charge.
4. Look for Buy It Now items- many good deals can be found there.
5. When bidding, wait, wait ,wait!  Bidding is best done at the end of an auction, but remember that a hidden bid may exist, so allow time to over-bid the hidden bid, if you really want the item.