I see a lot of members are using eBay, making purchases (and occasionally getting burned). I've looked at it now and again, but it seems like a somewhat convoluted process. How does it REALLY work - or how do you really WORK it?

It seems like a roll of the dice.

Try here too. http://www.offshorebid.com

I have had pretty good luck to date. I always check feedback and look at any other items they may be selling. As always if the deal seems to good to be true it IS. I also setup a different account to use with paypal and all my internet purchases. Has worked so far. Good luck and start off small.
Read the adds well also. Some try to play games like the $100 flatscreen that was on another thread. It was a screen door cover but you could tell.

Thanks for the input.
Maybe there are other members out there that have made the big score, and are willing to share their experience. I don't hear many of those.

I guess I just don't get it.
This is not a great thread or anything, I am just curious.

Not a lot of action there, Nort. Two items for sale.

Not exactly a "big" score, but I got a 24p Hydromotive in almost new condition for $158 including shipping. Made me happy

Warren

Over sixty purchases with only one bad experience and it was corrected. Lots of bargins to be had.

My wife and I purchase on it regularly. She buys clothes, some jewlery, massage oil. I've bought craftsman tools, paslode airless nailers, two mini motorcycles and many other things..
Best if you know what you want and then look for it there. Example was she wanted a 'Dyson' vacuum and it was at Best Buys for $400. On ebay a dealer was selling the same, new delivered for $300 with warranty. It makes great sense for him even if his profit was only $20-30 because he made the sale while the store was closed and he was home asleep. The order was on the computer and he ships it out. Simple.

I've bought several items off E-Bay.
It helps to know what you're looking for and looking at, plus it's value. When bidding on an item, decide on how much you're willing to pay and don't forget to include shipping in that price.

Example,
I was bidding on a multi function display for one of my jet ski's. Price new from dealer is 300.00. E-Bay price for a used one started at 50.00 plus 8.00 shipping, an excellent value.
I bid a maximum price of 85.00. With one day left to go in the auction somebody upped the bid to 95.00 and as I found out they had a max bid of 110.00. I had to go to 125.00 to beat them. That 125.00 was really more than I wanted to pay but this item is few and far between.
I didn't win, somebody else upped the bid to 130.00 with only three minutes left to go.
I was mad and glad at the same time since I really didn't feel like paying that price. I'll just keep looking.

There are also not so good deals on ebay. I've see sometimes the exact item at Sam's Club for less.