Bitten by the eBay bug again ...

[RobertInOntario]

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.

That's generally what I've been buying -- rare, hard-to-find items that I wouldn't expect see at my LHS's. That tank engine was an exception. Being a British modeler, eBay can work quite well as older British items can be hard to find over here.

I also use eBay for research to find out what some of my older items are worth. And yes, you certainly have to watch the shipping and handling charges.

Rob