I've bought many machines on Ebay and Goodwill and I have to say that not all sellers pack the machines well. People think that because the machines are so heavy and solid, they're indestructible. That is certainly not the case. If you do buy on Ebay, ask the seller how they plan to pack the machine and possibly refer them to several different articles online on how to properly pack a sewing machine...just in case they don't know. (There's a very good "guide" on ebay regarding the packing of an SM.) Even when well packed, machines can still arrive with broken spindles and parts. Unfortunately, it comes with the territory.
~ C