QUESTIONS - I GET QUESTIONS!    I'm more of a advocate for the little, and mid-size collectior since the advanced collectors usually have a firm grasp on the buying rope.   However, I guess we all need to be reminded of the traffic on the road even if we think we know how to drive.  I've only got a few words to add openly on the topic as I've answered most questions on a one to one basis in adressing indiviual problems with other vendor and dealers in the field.    It's a shame that so many things must weigh into the bottom line but it's part of maturing as a collector and understanding that the responsibility goes in many directions regarding these matters.   This is the Real World of today and NOT the World of our Grandfathers (although they had crooks then too).

#1) Some say ebay simply doesn't do enough to screen the sellers...... ok, but not all of it can fall on ebay.   I have issues there as well but I also know the buyer MUST pay attention to all factors.  This has been hammered at time and time again.   As follows:   READ THE FEEDBACKS PEOPLE.   You can't please everyone and some people are just nuts when it comes to buying and jump the gun and so red marks can be left against the most innocent of seller (AND BUYER).   That doesn't mean you should dismiss the marks but just check out to see what they are about and when they occured.   Most negative History on ebay usually happend way back when we were all, buyers and sellers alike, still learning the ropes.  The last time I double checked, the words, 'to error is human', goes a long way to reflect that perfecting presentation and balancing expectations also means growing up and embracing 'reality'.     Perfection is a word and not always a reachable reality; BUYERS:  READ the description and ASK questions of the seller.    SELLERS:  Go the distance and describe your item properly or know that teeth marks can run deep and leave scars on your sales record (by word of mouth on the chat board if not on your record).    Most Dealers will work with buyers and can resolve problems or issues but communication is the Key. 

BOTH parties need to be reasonable and realistic!  

#2)  PAID TOO MUCH!  No rocket scientiest needed to tell you to be sure you are aware of the market price and grades related on what you are buying.   You can't always go by ebay sales in this dept. as often they are often way over reality and disappointment follows when you discovered you got a wired mouse trigger finger and bought way over current price trends.   They say 'market' is whatever is happening at the moment..... FINE.   However, be sure to check out even the humble coin retail shops and you might discover the bargin is there...... cyber-space is fun but common sense says to pay attention.   If you over-buy WITHOUT doing your homework on an item and went in blind.......... you bought it - live with it.   LEARN FROM IT!   

#3)  Postages that kill.    AGAIN....READ first!  The bargain coin that is cheap may carry a wild and weird  POSTAGE FEE that destroyers the so-called bargain.   Also, YOU the buyer risk the red mark here if you didn't read and then yell and scream at the seller and refuse to pay.   AGAIN, READ READ READ!    If the seller agrees to a lower fee or to waive it - just get it in writing so at least you have a legit flag to wave at ebay if things go wrong.    

#4)  Watch out for sellers who only have a few amounts of feedback offering high tickets items.  We all had to start at zero -0- feedbacks but these are dangerous times.   Often  it's better to let the bargain go than to 'go out the door with it' and get run over in the process.    If in doubt - do not bid or buy!

#5)  STARK REALITY!  Walk soft and buy within reason - this is eBay and it's a major International market - know up front that the odds are, YOU ARE NOT GOING TO STEAL ANYTHING worth while way below market values.   You can fill a lot of empty spaces in your collection for a FAIR price and sometimes find something rare that you really need that isn't currently available elsewhere........ but caution and knowledge will keep you sane.  THERE ARE BARGAINS AND SPECIALS TO BE HAD AT AUCTION - JUST STAY ON TOP OF YOUR GAME AND SET YOUR OWN RULES OF ENGAGEMENT FOR BUYING.