Before you bid or purchase on eBay, read feedback on the Seller!  Keep in mind that some buyers will leave unwarranted negative feedback, so look at the feedback of the person leaving the feedback.  Read the positive feedback left for the seller, because buyers are often afraid to leave negative or even neutral feedback in fear of retaliation.  You can often find things in positive feedback that will give you a new view of the seller.  Some buyers thank sellers for free gifts and that would certainly be an extra positive.  Sometimes there are criticisms in the "positive" feedbacks and this should cause you to think twice about purchasing from a buyer.  ALWAYS look at the seller's "Feedback left for Others".  If you see that the seller leaves rude comments, or uses name calling or attacks, START LOOKING FOR ANOTHER SELLER IMMEDIATELY!  If you purchase from this seller you are likely going to purchase something that you will not be happy with, and the resulting battle could turn you off to eBay forever, and this isn't fair to the many excellent eBay sellers.  When you correspond with a seller regarding a problem with your purchase, be honest and fair and treat the seller with the same respect you hope to receive.  The same goes for feedback.  Don't attack or call the seller names - just honestly state the problem.