I recently started searching the mystery auction scene. I have had a lot of good buys but also a few disappointing ones as well. As a buyer the main thing to always keep in mind is "If it sounds to good to be true then it usually is". You have to think why would someone give you an expensive gift for example .99cents? They wouldnt. There are honest sellers out there but I stress you always do your homework before buying. Investigate the sellers feedback and if the seller has Negative feedback or it is Marked positive but it says Junk, Will not buy from again ,etc..Do not trust you will get taken. Always read the feedback. Do not fall for high bidder bonuses as most of the time you will not get it but you will get a second chance offer saying the winner never paid,Yeah right. I never accept second chance offers as a rule because these days you never know if it is real or if in an auction the bidders ids are blocked you never know if shill bidding is going on just to get you past what you have max bet and then say the winner never paid and would you like the second chance offer. If they offer you a refund then you usually will be happy with youre purchase and if they do not accept Paypal there is usually a reason. Paypal is free and safe to use so why would they not? Well most likely because the will take youre money and send junk or just take youre money. No paypal means not very safe transactions and it IS harder to get your money back. In most cases you cant. Common sense really I guess and trust youre instincts.