I just read a," guide to shipping" from a member. I wish to as well respond to what I see as the up and comming problems with purchases and transports of, cars, bikes and articles in lots and baskets. Once before when I was about to make a purchase, I simply got so excited that I did not see the hidden agenda; transports, DAS and other. Yes they wish to have some conditions like a motor that works to drive on , a well contained wrapped and well tyed down or plateted package. After all TIME is money, they have the responsibility for the trip to you and poorly tyed and un secured things blow around on the road. Thats part of it, but you as the purchaser are not able to be at the parting place nore are you in control of the articles before they leave. When you bid, you should be very sure of the kind of person you are dealing with, ask yourself, are they responsible? or just dumping odd s---- for bucks. Will they really help on their end or at least provide part of the responsibility for its safe departure. Insurance, wind storms, theifts on the road and a host of other things need to be considered before bidding.. Become awair not all things are good deals when you add it all up. Yes a cheep deal on the West once transported could be more than the one down the street were you can talk to the person and compleatly view the item. So I highly recomend that you not only bid and have fun bidding but look at the phycology behind everthing as it is purchased, moved and unpacked at your location. Ebay is a great way to purchase and make money, gather great collections and view more on a wider scale, but it is not with out problems and that is not Ebays concern, but totally YOURS. I highly segest that once you have made some purchases on Ebay, get to know what works best, its like poker, set up good relations with all deals especially if distant. I like to think of each sale as new friends and distant partners! Were shipping is concerned, be real, Like if you want a large sail boat for your water front home, realise that great deals afar ,but when you transport, pay extras and do the shipping, insurance and maybe include a tip, you more or less could have purchased that boat right in your own neighboorhood. Yes, I still look at those deals, but I know what the big picture holds for me if I get one. You will pay top dollars for distant deals given the cost of fuels and labor, all people need to get paid. I also find it puzzeling that people will sell a deal then want to transport for top dollars, or even charge handleing fees while they do very little to help you the costomer. In all, Ebay, transporting still makes sence but you must be realistic before your emotions get the best of you, walk all deals through before hand then no one but you can be blamed for what takes place after the fact! I also think that Ebay should have devisions of sales territories as in: EAST coast WEST coast South ect. This way we will not spend endless hours of time working deals that become cost prohibitive and no pays. Yes the touch of a button EBAY pops up all listings for your area only, these are the more realistic deals and they then are less frustrating and cost efficent. Lets face it gas and labor cost big dollars, less distance less money. yet in the big picture, if you want it, go get it and pay regardless were it is and how much you pay, after all we may only find one on Ebay in the world. Ebay is the greates place to shop but you are the captain.