If I were to buy a machine thru ebay it would be worth the cost to me to have the seller take it to UPS or FedX and have them pack it properly. Also, I would pay the insurance on the shipping. It the machine is a good bargain and you have a dated email from the seller addressed to you attesting to the fact that it sews and works properly then I'd buy it. Also, pay thru PayPal so your purchase is protected.