Am not sure how paypal works but have read alot about the frustrations that some go through when using it. I seem to recall it has to do with such things as freezes put on your credit card and on getting the receipts from your sales transfered to you on a timely basis. I have never heard complaints on their fees but, coincidentally, did just bid on an item where the seller specified that the item was too inexpensive for paypal. My high bid was $5.75. Therefore, the seller specified that check or MO only.

I have not entered into the relm of selling on eBay yet so I do not know first hand about the risks of selling to new bidders. I have read here in the past about some problems with people screwing around by bidding up auctions and not keeping their Committments. They are usually using assumed ids and just change their ID and sign on again when their accts are closed. You might check on eBay as there is a process to get fees refunded or credited back when an auction does not get completed. To protect yourself, I would keep a print out and save a copy of all correspondance and auction pages until the deal is finished. Don't ship anything till payment is received and cleared. If you receive a check, wait till your bank clears it before you send the item. Usually about 7 to 10 days(?). Also, if you are going to sell alot you might consider using a PO box. I have heard stories about people who will bid on items to get addresses and other information that will allow them to target you for the theft of your collection(s) etc. They get the high bid and you send them your address so they can send payment. Now they know where you live. An exeption to this might be if you run an antiques store that is a regular business and is secured and set up for customer visits.

As a buyer, I always use a PO box. For the reasons above. Most of the people here are pretty safe and friendly but on eBay you often do not know who you are transacting with. I also use Money Orders made out in the sellers name so that I am not sending strangers my credit card numbers or checking acct numbers. MOs are quick and certain. I usually get immediate shipment with them. I do not send cash in case the mail gets lost, misdirected or stolen.

I have been buying from eBay for 3 yrs now and while I have had a couple of small problems I have always received the items and never been ripped off. My advice, FWIW, is to protect yourself and your ID to the point that you are most comfortable and be aware of your rights regarding eBays policies regarding getting action against a buyer and getting fees and commissions refunded or credited back.

As for the feedback stats,(the sunglasses), as a seller, I do not think you need to be as concerned as long as you always wait till you get the payment before you send the merchandise. Also, don't just look at the star or sunglasses. Click on the feedback numbers and see what their record is. A person could have 1000 feedbacks and still have a large number of neutrals or negative replies. Also I would look for the negs and see what the context is. Sometimes a person will get a damaged package or their mail may be delayed and they will respond with venom. The seller may turn out not to be at fault and it could turn out to be a misunderstanding or postal problem. I have, on a few occasions taken a chance on people with a few negs. Look at the record in it's entire context. 2 or 3 negs amongst 1000 positives is not that bad. As a buyer, I think, you should be more concerned with the feedback in that you are sending the payment with more trust that the seller will send the goods. As a seller, if you hold the merch., till you get payment, you do not have the same stake or risk.