Ebay has become a wellknown, widely used shopping area. But the question really concerned nowadays is are the prices of most items really that cheap on ebay? The answer is NO. Don't get me wrong sellers!!! First bare with me with my explanation of my experiences before you want to "hate" me.

For instance, (this is what happened recently), look at the auction on McAfee Internet Suite 8.0 2006.
Every seller's item I looked at, it said "There will be no box due to rebate" or "The box is cut off for rebate purpose". If you see that, people you sholud check up the real price!!! I checked on Mcafee.com official site and found out the orginal cost is $69.99. So I was like "Nope, I'm not paying. Let me go on Ebay". I saw Mcafee auctions going for and ending for $40-$80 ($80?? inclduing shipping? in cut off box?). So I checked o Amazon.com. GUESS WHAT?

Retail is $69.99
Current Amazon offer price: $57

Since, $25+, its free shipping.

AND $30 mail in rebate! So the total for that Mcafee Suite is $27?? In a lovely nice original container?
WHy not buy that $57 and DONT send rebate, if you're willing to pay $80 on ebay which is way more than retail? I won't call that $80 buyer rich and being affordable to buy on ebay, I'll call that buyer "reasoningly challenged"? :)

Also if you're planing to buy items off somewhere and to resell on ebay, no matter how cheap, check on ebay if there're other sellers. A lot of people these days are buying off Oversotck.com these days and reselling on ebay. And I saw A LOT of same items with competing lowest prices (otherwise known as seller's last chance no profit selling). An item on Overstock would be $7 where it's retailed $30. yeah sure why not buy it and resell? BUT check on ebay first . Your item on ebay sold by other loads of sellers = you will be selling it (in perfect scenerio - not a worst case yet - $3 and you PAYING about $4 for buyer's shipping) Now looking it that way, it's not worth buying at first place is it?

So whether you're a buyer or a beginning seller, reason before proceding. Buyers check on Amazon, official stores, and other places (BBB approved or trustworthy estores that is) to find better deals with original items in a box. And resellers, buy the items you will make profit in selling on ebay (In buyer's view, getting a good deal like in store without having to drive to store, wasting gas cost, damaging tires, etc... - so it won't be cheating on buyers) ;)

-Best Wishes in Your Success,
May You Be FREE off desires to pay twice or more for what you can get in stores for less!