Yes, Don is correct. It is just like most things. You have to see what is available and then pick and choose the best thing for each situation.

I don't want to go on a long tear here. I hate PayPal for a number of reasons, especially when I am in the role of a seller. To give just one example, all a buyer on eBay has to do is say the item was "significantly not as described" when he received it. The seller has no defense (in effect) against that claim. PayPal will give the money to the buyer and go after the seller. (And then there is always your credit card company to reimburse you, the buyer, if need be.)

For a buyer, PayPal and a credit card are wonderful protection. You should always use it when you can. On many eBay auctions I would ordinarily be afraid to place a large bid; but if I see that the seller accepts PayPal, that can make the decision to bid easy. ... .... ..... Also if you use PayPal and a credit card, you should never opt for insurance even if the seller says in the description that you assume the risk, etc, etc, if you don't opt for insurance. Ignore that! Especially if the PayPal logo thing in the auction boasts of $1000 PayPal buyer protection. IT IS THE SELLER'S DUTY TO DELIVER THE ITEM TO YOU. Whatever he says to the contrary in the auction description is worthless. What I just said might not sound nice, and it might sound to you as against common sense, but believe what I said -- it is generally accepted eBay/PayPal/business practice to always make the seller responsible for delivery. If the seller is so concerned about insurance, he should include the insurance cost in his shipping-postage charge, thus forcing the buyer to pay for insurance!

Robert