I bought my Janome MC 10001 on eBay. The seller misspelled Janome and didn't put the model name in the listing. I got mine for $780 including shipping!!!! All the original parts, extra software and hoops. Has been my workhorse for 4 years now. The seller packed it like a champ.
I eBay all the time:selling and buying. If it's breakable, insure it. Consider the shipping to be part of the price and do your research.
You can get ripped off anywhere. EBay, craigslist, garage sale, neighbor, co-worker, retail store don't be afraid of eBay alone.

I have sold my older machines on ebay, of course I know what to tell buyers. I bought my Janome QC4800 from an individual on Craigs List. No regrets at all and saved a bunch of money. As others have said, check the seller feedback on ebay and ASK questions if you are concerned about features. Pay for insurance when being shipped, it is worth the cost if USPS does the damage. It never hurts to warn the seller that package and shipping is very important to you and to take extra care.

I bought my D1 from EBay and a great experience. I did lots of checking both by reading all their feedbacks and emailing them. Not only did I get it in perfect shape, they included everything they had bought to go w/machine; all the stabilizers, needles, designs. Then the seller incl. instr. sheets for me on how to use everything. I was so blessed. I'm still using my D1 after 8 years. My advice is to go with your gut and talk to them before buying. I'm very glad I did. I buy other stuff with good results. I like the feedback and paypal features ebay offers.

My hubby got me one and it arrived 2 weeks before christmas and I did not try to use it until a fefw weeks after christmas (to tired from the holidays) so when I did set it up the thing would not turn on (computer). Well they would fix it if I shipped it back to them, but it was cheaper to take it to my local shop and have it fixed. (which I still have yet to do) LOL. Watch the 30 day thing.....

I purchased my Featherweight on eBay several years ago, it arrived in perfect condition and is a beautiful machine.

I buy and sell on eBay. This thread reminded me I bought my Janome on eBay. I didn't know how to sew so it sat in the box for a couple of years (moving and building a house), I was happy to find out I bought a $1500 machine for $169, it was still in the original packaging. It works great!

I just bought a Brother XR4040 because it is lightweight, to take to classes. The seller has great feedback, and the machine came with 25 yr. warranty. I don't know if I'd have to send it back to him if it needs repair. I fired it up and wound a bobbin and it seems fine. I really do need to go play with it. I bought 25 bobbins and 1/4" quilting foot on ebay on Wednesday. It was less than $14 for all of it. I have no fear of buying on eBay.

Many times I will check a product locally and then use that model/serial number and buy on eBay for much less.

In addition to the advice about using Paypal, I would also send an email to the seller and see if he/she communicates with you before you buy. I have had "power sellers" ignore my email and did not buy from them. I want to know if there is a person there that cares about my purchase.

I bought my Juki off Ebay and had no problems at all. I checked feedback and did alot of research before I knew what I wanted. The seller was an excellent seller. I would make sure of the feedback and also pay through PP. There are alot of sellers on Ebay that also have storefronts.

I've bought several off ebay and never had any problems. The machines were just as they were described. I even bought a treadle and it was shipped from Tx. No problem either. The only problem I had was I bought a machine from a lady that was on the same machine list as me. I bought the machine for my daughter. Got it and it wouldn't sew. Took it to my repair guy and he said the machine was worn out. That it would cost more to fix it than what it was worth. Just my opinion.

I have always had good luck on ebay and the goodwill auction site. I've bought a 301 and 4 FW on ebay without a single problem. All were shipped well and arrived intact. I did go through pay pal and checked the buyer's reputation before purchasing.

I bought my first Featherweight off eBay. Looked for a seller close to me. I'm in Oahu and he was in California instead of East Coast. He had good feedback and was responsive to emails. He was going to send it insured UPSP and I asked him if he would send it Priority Mail if I made up the difference in shipping costs. We did and I got a great machine. I figured 3 days of shipping damage was lots better than 6 weeks by slow boat.

My second experience was the purchase of a BSR for my Bernina. When the package arrived, the box was empty!!! Spent $500 via Paypal. Seller didn't believe me until I said I wanted the BSR not my money back. She did refund without too much trouble.