I have been a Ebay member for 3 years. i have found as important as the item you receive, is the mutual feedback you leave.       Not all your experiences will be perfect, but for the most part, the good far exceeds the not so good. in the beginning you are quick to judge but as time goes on and you learn the many pitfalls and delays sellers have to go through to get you the merchandise at great prices.  you begin to be more patient and your feedback is better for both parties. when i first started in Ebay bidding i would pay immediately, then expect the item to arrive immediately! if not give bad feedback, which in turn seller would give the same type feedback, this proves to be an aderse situation for both parties. you will leaarn feedback is so valuble to a seller as well to a buyer. so in the long run i can save you much heartache, by saying just show alittle patience and not to be so quick to judge.  this is not to say scams aren't there. they are! you need to read the whole item, top to bottom before bidding. do not payby western union or money order. CHECK SELLERS FEEDBACK. check some of them besure of the means of payment, how they ship and the amount of shipping. contact seller, ask questions if there is doubt in item discription. then bid no more then you can afford. bidding is a contract to purchase and not paying will be serverely dealt with , as when seller (very seldom) does not ship. these few things alone will make your ebay experience as fun and profitable as it has mine. oh trust me i have seen it all in three years and purchase over 200 items.from under a dollar to thousands of dollars with confidence. believe in ebay square trade and paypal. they are some of your best protection and they work!!!!