Overall, I wouldn't hesitate to buy again from Ebay, if the seller has been around for some time, has good ratings, and specializes in photo gear.
Yes, these guidelines work well. I only have positive experiences with Ebay (with many transactions), but is is wise to check the seller on sold items and feedback. If there is still a doubt just ask a question, and when the answer doesn't come, be extra careful.
On one of the purchases the front lens contained some specks, and returning was no problem, as Ebay offers guaranties for the seller to take action (blocking the pay-pall amount on the account). So in that case it is wise to use pay pall. The same caution applies also for other auction websites.
Our local website Marktplaats doesn't offer the feedback-experiences, and extra check-ups are necessary. Which means it is wise to contact the seller, usually by mail, and with important and expensive items also by phone. (a phone-number reduces the risk of a fraud) If there is still some doubt, and the purchase is agreed, the bank-accountnumber can be checked on a dutch website: opgelicht.nl were all the cases with malicious sellers and their bank-accounts are listed. Searching for a bank-account is a good check.
It's basically the same as if buying in a market or a store.
