Runako

I can tell you about many silly things people do with their money (some of these people appear to be sensible) that you would not believe. Ebay developed its buyer protection policy because, guess what, people were ripping off other people there too.

Also, there are certain transactions that ebay/paypal will not protect. So ebay is no panacea for purchasing stuff from strangers. They exist to make money. They do this by encouraging us to sell stuff through their marketplace. There is a subtle difference.

I sell and have stuff for sale on ebay right now. I also buy stuff via ebay from China etc. The hassle alone of listing/selling stuff and paying for the privilidge sometimes puts me off completely. At the same time, I admit its useful and I've made some very good purchases using it. But its not without its faults and Ebay have simply worked out a way to further profit from the dishonesty of some individuals and the insecurities of others.

So yes, I would buy from a stranger but I wouldn't be prepared to pay an amount I wasn't prepared to lose (whether that's through ebay or the freeads). Otherwise I'll always look for guarantees.

There is also the spirit of the forum. What is this? Its the intention of people to share goodwill through a common interest. There will always be some like me who want to believe in that. In the main, for me, the forum reflects this spirit whether its in giving helpful advice, offering to help people on rideouts or fixing stuff or selling stuff. Its the same intention and this is what some people are hoping can be preserved.