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I never really use to shop online or on ebay much, but lately I've found I'm using it a lot more often. I like finding good deals and unique gift items without having to spend gas driving to a bunch of stores (where you might still not find what you're looking for). Of course with ebay, there are some drawbacks. You don't always win your bid for the item you wanted, you have to pay a lot for shipping (unlike the store), you have to wait around for your payment to process, you have to wait for the item to be shipped, and you can't try things on or check things out thoroughly to know exactly what you are getting. Also, you sometimes have to deal with unhelpful or unpleasant sellers who aren't always honest with you. They sometimes might try to rip you off or not tell you when you will get your item or sometimes never even send it at all.

Yes, ebay does try to put rules and tools in effect in order to prevent this kind of stuff from happening. Feedback ratings are a good example, it's a good idea to check out someone's feedback history before you buy from them. Paypal used in conjunction with ebay also has buyer & seller protection, but it is a lengthy process waiting on their dispute resolutions for items or money, and it's possible it may not even result in the correct parties favor.

I experienced the lengthy dispute process when an impossible to please buyer decided they no longer wanted my item and my money was put on hold forever until the buyer finally did nothing to prove their invalid claims and the case was decided in my favor. I had stated no returns because I didn't want to hassle with it, since I was selling the item for my friend and they needed the money right away. I also experienced the lengthy process when purchasing not one, but two different batteries for my phone, which I never got.

Though, despite all that, it is possible to find great sellers with cool items and sometimes even a good deal here and there. I like shopping ebay at Christmas time to avoid the jam packed malls, but then you have to rely on your item getting to you in time for the recipient amongst the mail rush of packages at the holidays. But, a bad thing is at Christmas, sellers tend to jack up their prices because they know people need to finish their shopping, which is unfortunate. Though, other sellers sometimes give you free shipping or discounts for purchasing more than one item at a time from them.

Selling is also fun, but you have to sell an item that is popular and in high demand, as well as know how to represent or list it in order to get the hits and bids you need to make it worth it, since you have to pay so many ebay fees. It also helps to have a picture in the gallery and to have a good reputation of fair feedback so that buyers can trust you. I haven't really tried selling much yet, but some people even make their living selling items on ebay, so if you know how to do it well, you can earn some money.

Overall, I have had many pleasant dealings and a few not so great, but more good than bad or I probably wouldn't have continued to use the site. Though, I do have a few warnings for you to keep in mind. I really wouldn't reccomend buying many electronic products on ebay, there are a lot of bogus sellers in that category. Also, be careful giving someone a neutral comment, because they might just give you bad feedback or worse to simply be pety and revengful, even if you don't deserve it. You were probably being nice by merely giving them only a neutral comment. Some people have to realize not everyone is going to like their product and if they mislead you, then that is wrong. Also, when you sell something you think to be a very excellent product, be aware there are some buyers out there who like to complain and who you can never please.