We use Ebay for both buying and selling.
For selling, we use it as larger stores would use a "close-out" sale. Just to get rid of stuff for which we no longer have a market, or grossly overstocked. Our experience has been that if we do a good job on the description, and take decent pictures we can expect to receive an average of 30 to 60 percent of retail. By setting the opening bid low, we have about a ninety-eight percent sell rate, which is the object of a close-out.
For buying, I am continually amazed that, with literally millions of viewers, we are still able to purchase many items (some extremely rare) for pennies on the dollar. Much better than swap meets for bargains, and I don't have to pack the junk through the swap meet (still go to them though).
Have we been burned? yes, but not often, and less than with classified ads.
Big turn-offs: reserve auctions (if reserve unknown), auctions with no pictures, auctions demanding money orders, all of which we won't participate.
All in all, would have to give Ebay a huge thumbs-up.
Jon.
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"Good carburetion is fuelish hot air". 
"The most expensive carburetor is the wrong one given to you by your neighbor".
If you truly believe that "one size fits all" try walking a mile in your spouse's shoes!
Owner of The Carburetor Shop, LLC (of Missouri).
Current caretaker of the remains of Stromberg Caburetor, and custodian of the existing Carter and Kingston carburetor drawings.
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