"Dudley Henriques" wrote in message
ink.net...

I must be missing something about the "advantages" of using Ebay, based
on it's tremendous popularity, but it just doesn't make any sense to me.

The advantage is a large marketplace, therefore higher probability of
sellers getting the best price and buyers finding what they seek

As a buyer, I want cancellation privilege not only before the sale, but
AFTER the sale as well. If I'm thinking of buying something I don't need
anyone telling me I can't change my mind, even up to the point of sale.
Even AFTER buying something, if I have a problem with it, I want the
option to return it to where I bought it for full credit. I've been
buying this way for many years and have never had a problem.
Suppose this guy who won the bid on the transponder suffered a problem
that prevented his going through with the purchase.....hell, it could be
anything? On EBay, he doesn't have the option to cancel? Hell, that's no
way to buy something....at least as far as I'm concerned anyway. I've
obviously never used Ebay and never will. I guess it's ok for some, but
it's definitely NOT my cup of tea :-)

Well you just have to bid accordingly. Sometimes you can get something
cheap, sometimes a used item with no warrantee and no return priviledge goes
for more than that item new with all priviledges.

I've bought stuff I needed there and done quite well, but there is cost in
my time. Sometimes it takes losing several items before winning one.

Also, some sellers (usually businesses) will extend their full return
policies to Ebay sales. Murphy Surplus in California allowed a 30 day
return for example. But it is not fair to stiff sellers for auction fees if
you change your mind.

Know the rules of the game there and play them to your advantage if you
want. Personally I still think it is a mixed bag, but just try dealing with
Government Liquidation and you will think Ebay is fantastic.