[CaliforniaMama]

I have noticed the shift in ebay, too, but I think the old culture is still there, just a little hidden. It is like there is the surface ebay, the retailers, and then there are us yard sale types.

When I shop, I basically skip the retails and look for the individuals. The searches show who has a store, so it's fairly easy to do. One look at the feedback number and it is easy to skim through the scum.

It all depends on the type of item, though.

I have given up buying any appliance or electronic item. I have rejected every single one. So, I don't have good luck in that department, there is always Amazon or a zillion other discounters on line.

I sell more than I buy, just because my kids keep outgrowing clothes, and because hubby won't let me have another yard sale as long as I live. (I think it had to do with my chastisement after he sold some Avon way too cheap. He clearly didn't read my posted price!)

I'm a homeschooler and buy school supplies at cheaper prices in a bulk package. I ebay the extras. Often the items get snapped up quickly at more than I paid for them, but at a price that is still less than retail to buyer. A win-win situation for us all, so I'm still an ebay supporter.

Craigslist? No way. Not after a guy came to a friend's door wanting to buy a breast pump (prearranged, thinking he was a bona fide buyer) and asked to have her demonstrate . . .