I have bought patterns from Ebay this way. It tells you on the site that you will get actual pages from a magazine. I was not disappointed or upset. I would rather buy only a pattern I want, then buy a whole magazine I don't necessarily want. The pattern comes in a clear plastic sleeve that makes it easy to store.
I have so many magazines that I have kept and will never use the patterns from them...I think it's a win win deal.....JMHO :D