Seller's feedback is critical. I never buy anything from a seller with a 98% feedback or less. Feedback has to be 99% or better. 98% sounds good until you look at the actual number of complaints---If the seller is active, you'd be surprised at how many complaints that adds up to. I also read the negative and neutral comments given sellers. If there is a common theme, like "not as described", "never received item", "poorly packaged, arrived damaged", then you know that's what you may be getting. I bought a $500 sewing machine from a seller once--great machine and great deal. I also bought a fairly inexpensive older Kenmore once, and seller plunked it into a cardboard box (which was too large) with absolutely nothing else in there for padding. It arrived with a cracked case, cracked machine base, and a few parts broken off, of course! Be sure to communicate with the seller about packaging before you bid. You can do well on ebay with some caution. Good luck!