Bitten by the eBay bug again ...

[nachoman]

The only things I ever buy on ebay are used items that are difficult to find elsewhere, or one of a kind things not availale at local stores. Ebay is great for researching things and finding examples of what is available for a particular item. Often I use it more for research than for purchasing things. For example, I will try to find junkers to use for parts, or auto parts that haven't been made for decades. I have never bought a new item that is still being produced or recently produced. Once I add in the inflated shipping charges that many ebay sellers charge, it becomes obvious that I am no longer getting a "deal" anymore. I have seen things sell on ebay for 10% more than what one would pay going to the local store - and at the local store you don't have to feed the evil brown or white trucks.

While I have spent pletny of time browsing ebay killing time, I rarely buy anything. I figure the cost+shipping would have to be 10% lower than what I can get from a local store before I would buy something new in box.