I have bought fabric on ebay with no problems, but agree you really need to read the description carefully.

I like to buy fabric on etsy.com. I have had nothing but great experiences. (NOTE THE S on the end). I have bought quite a few things. Several times I want a group of fabrics that go together and they will put together sets and email me picturee and let me pick out the fabric and then make a private listing for me. It's not a bidding process, but you still can get some really good deals. I bought some Red Rooster fabric the other day for $3.99 a yard. Pretty good considering the new stuff coming into shops is nearing $10 a yard. It is a really great place to look when you are looking for a specific fabric. It is also a good place to sell your finished items. I have a friend who sells quilts on there.

I have a very favorite seller on Ebay for fabric.
Mo & Mac's Fabric Shack.
They are fantastic to deal with. Shipping is very reasonable. Wonderful fabrics and service. Recommend highly!!

I admit I was guilty of this on the one listing I've done here. Noone smokes (at least not inside the house- I make hubby go outside & stand in the baking sun if he insists on smoking), but I do have animals, and they are always in my studio. (I wish I could keep them out, but they are the 'velcro' breed, as in 'need to be right by mommy!)

I try to check everything for stray furs before it leaves my hands, and my Etsy/Artfire shops do say that I do not have a pet-free environment. I don't put it in every listing, though. Maybe I should.

I have also received fabric that reeks of cigarette smoke, I can't stand that. Strongly scented detergent/fabric softener gets me too, so I generally don't prewash fabrics before using/sending, unless it was a questionable source (ie yardsale or thrift shop)

As with everything else in the world, though, it's 'buyer beware'.

great post...........need to know these things...........

Here's the one I mentioned:

http://stores.ebay.com/Mo-and-Macs-Fabric-Shack

You should. Really. ;-)

Thanks so very much for the url.

Thank you for the heads up
sass

I had noticed that some on-line stores were pricing and selling their fabrics by the one-half yard a couple of years ago.

You're welcome, Jean! There are other very good sellers but I especially love these 2 ladies. They really pack well so you don't pay a fortune in shipping.