I probably buy one thing a month on eBay (at least). My tips:
CHECK feedback. I can't emphasize that enough. If the person is new or has a feedback rating of less than 95%, be very wary.
No picture, no buy. With that said, if the picture is whack, ask them to email you better ones.
Double check the payment options. If the person only accepts paypal, and you don't have paypal, that's a problem. Or if they only accept money orders, and you have an aversion to money orders, same deal.
Figure out the MOST you are willing to pay for the object, subtract the shipping, and then bid that. Keep in mind that its probably used, and may have defects (which sellers usually list). You probably won't pay that price since eBay proxy bids for you. I dont' recommend going back everyday and rebidding to see if you lost, because you tend to overbid. Just wait until eBay emails you to to tell you if you lost or won.
