I actually do a lot of buying and some selling on ebay for MANY types of items and consider it a great tool and concept. I don't always like their fees, but that's another story and generally only applies to sellers.

There are many things sold on ebay that can't be found anywhere else - especially older, discontinued or collectible type stuff and also parts for stuff!
Many worthy knives would be on that list. I have never come across a knife store or even internet web stores with the type of variety that individuals can offer via ebay.

Guess what? - If you want a Ratmandu or Howler, there are only three realistic places to get one anymore.: Ebay, Bladeforums and Knifeforums! Bladeforums is much more active for the Busse family of knives than Knifeforums - although Knifeforums has lots of other good stuff as well.

But, as a buyer, the risks for purchasing via the forums is really about the same. The only thing better about the forums is that most of the forum members take some amount of pride in their business practices via the forums. I want to say that most forum members do the right thing and are all fair. But, I have to try to be open to the odd member who might not be one of the good guys.

It is good to know a little about the business and how it works whether you buy via ebay OR via the forums to help avoid getting scammed or otherwise making a bad purchase. Seller feedback on ebay is a HUGE tool. I always consider a seller's rating and will often read some of the feedback.
Similarly, number of posts makes me feel more comfortable about sending funds to somebody on the forums. I wouldn't buy a knife from somebody on the forums who only has 1 - 20 posts or so!

Ebay doesn't like it, but they "do" like for you to relist and pay more fees.

Technically, ebay says you can't do side deals. They will threaten to ban you from being a member. But, people do it and deals are often made that way to avoid more ebay relisting fees and to avoid waiting another week for an item to sell.

The catch is: A 2nd highest bidder does "NOT" have any obligations.

A seller can "Offer" an off the books side deal to a buyer (not O.K. per ebay, but it happens). But, the buyer doesn't have the same recourse of action via ability to leave negative feedback if needed.

Ebay is fine by me. I have bought "Hundreds" of items from ebay. Often at much better prices, better selections and more convenient than retail. But, you have to take responsibility for your own actions, purchases, bids, etc. And "ESPECIALLY" be carefull with side deals.

So, it is good to know what you are doing.


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