This whole mess nowadays is why I still would rather drive and spend my time frequenting swap meets. I would rarely consider buying something from ebay that had any substantial value unless they were close enough to drive and meet face to face.
Feel sorry for those that get taken like that with a bunch of knock off parts. If ebay just disappeared it would be doing everyone a favor.
I agree that it is the worst feeling getting taken. I have had it happen at the swap meet, eBay (Greg Long, but got my money back), & craigslist. There is always that chance you take, when purchasing anything, hell, I went to Olive Garden last week, and my "sirloin steak" tasted like some turkey pork meat concoction, (should have stuck with pasta).
My point is, I think you always have to keep an eye out for fraud, and if you suspect it be on top of it, and if possible help others out to avoid it.
I like eBay and Craigslist, and while it was/is fun to look forward to going to swap meets, it seemed all to common, that the guys who brought stuff to the swap meets to "sell" would over price it, and would then end up having to pack it all up and take it home. Seemed less guys were out there to actually sell their stuff, they would rather talk about how nice and "rare" the stuff they brought was, then part with it. Anymore it seemed like there was more Vendors at the swap meets, then guys bringing quality original parts.
Ebay and Craigslist is not for everyone, as you guys alluded to, you have to be able to read between the lines, and like anything else do your research, and be able to spot the original, from the made to look original. I just like the fact that (for me) eBay is similar to a 24/7 swap meet, and you can still find gems, and below market price items on there, car related or not.
