I use ebay for lots of stuff. When you push the confirmation button, it is the same as signing a contract. It doesn't matter if they contact you or not. Also, I think feedback is not given until you have received the item in the mail. You might try to contact the seller and make arrangements to pay them through paypal. That way you are protected. I depend on ebay for lots of my supplies and I enjoy almost all of the sellers. I've only had one who was difficult and he eventually refunded my money. Gwyn