I have bought quite a lot of stuff on ebay, usually unusual/rare stuff not availably anywhere else, IT/electrical items because the second hand prices are usually good, and the odd bargain when "I can't afford not to buy this!"

Eg. this week I bought:

- Lakeland chemical protection suit (for a friend's NYPD ESU kit-bag). Seller only shipped to US (no exceptions) so I had it shipped to my boss who is on holiday in NY and he's forwarding it onto me.

- Cisco 7960 IP-phone and a genuine power cube for it. Phone coming from Cardiff, power cube is coming from China. The feedback on China seller is over 500 and all positive.

As for scamming I have been very nearly burnt. I bought a fairly expensive item (from the US) and never heard back from the seller. About three months later I got an email from a supposed relative saying that they were "unable to attend to their responsibilties". I guessed that meant they were dead or in jail. I got the item six weeks later, it was shipped by surface mail.

Gareth