You want to buy a sign?  I'd like to offer a few suggestions of what exactly to look for in choosing just the right sign for your needs and wants!  There are so many signs offered on eBay that it does get a little tricky grinding your way though item after item.  I hope I can help!

First thing:  Notice what material the sign is made from.  Often the IMPORTED signs are difficult to recognize, they are often offered as wood and in reality are very thinly made pressed board material.  You will find many kinds of media for signs.  Here's a few:  wood (lumber, boards); MDF (medium density fiberboard-another type of pressed board); plywood (can be in various thicknesses); wafer board  (usually 1/8 inch or 1/4 inch thickness); hardboard; particleboard; slate; metal and more!  Some sign sellers do not even mention what their signs are made from so be sure to ask them before you purchase!  Always know what you're getting, less disappointments that way.  As far as WOOD or LUMBER, there are many tree species that can be used.  I personally most always use PINE (there are even varieties of each specie, ie: Pine could be Ponderosa Pine, Southern Yellow Pine, etc.).  I occasionally use Western Red Cedar (not Incense Cedar, that would go on the floors of your closet!).  Other REAL WOOD signs could be made of Douglas Fir, Cypress, or even Redwood and many, many more. 

Second thing:  Pay attention to what the size is!  In lumber language, for instance, a pice of 2X4 is NOT actually 2 inches by 4 inches.  Instead the nominal size is usually 1 1/2 inches by 2 1/2 inches, but it's still called a 2X4.  For example, the pine I use to paint my signs is sold to me at the lumber yard as 1X4 or 1X6.  I try to be specific when I list my signs and that means it is 3/4 inch by 3 1/2 (or 5 1/2).  Also, pay attention to the LENGTH!  You might be THINKING of a long sign, but the small print says it's actually shorter than you imagine.  Be sure to realize if you are looking at something listed in INCHES or FEET! 

Third thing:  You can look at the edges.  Some are just boards chopped off to length.  Others put more time and effort into their signs.  For instance, I router the edges of all my signs, then sand and re-sand before I paint.  After I am finished painting I GENTLY DISTRESS the edges to give a soft worn look.  My signs are brand new but have that LOVED and SHABBY  look!  Routering the edges (I do all the milling myself) does take extra time, but it has a more completed feel and look.  So remember, check the edges!

Finally:  You must take time to read HOW the sign lettering is painted!  I personally hand paint every sign.  But, there are other ways to complete this, for example, the sign might be STENCILED, or made with VINYL LETTERING from a machine that cuts the vinyl.  Most sign sellers on eBay are meticulous about their work and this is mirrored in their EXCELLENT FEEDBACK!  Make sure you check out a potential sign maker's feedback and even look through thier completed items.  EBay is founded on the cornerstone of everyday people being HONEST and this reflects in FEEDBACK.  Don't ever buy without checking a seller's FEEDBACK!

One other thing to mention:  There may be images on the sign, cute pictures or icons....But hey, but I'll save that for anther guide to write someday!

To sum it up:  Of all the above mentioned, I would say first and foremost, if you LIKE IT, BUY IT .... but ONLY after checking out the FEEDBACK!