I've been with eBay as a buyer AND a seller since 1998! So I have a bit to say about both sides.

As a buyer, I can find almost ANYTHING there! I've never been ripped off by a seller. I do check people's feedback, though. If you have a good experience with a seller, it's helpful to both the seller and future buyers to leave POSITIVE feedback and 5 STARS in each category (even shipping charges!). Keep in mind that shipping charges are based on weight, box size, and travel distance. At times the s/h charge can be higher than the item itself, but it is not the seller's fault. Please leave them 5 stars unless they charge you $20 to ship a happy meal toy or something like that. Be sure to check the seller's other items for sale. You might find something cool you weren't looking for. Plus you'll save money on shipping because most sellers are happy to combine shipments.

As a seller, I am NOT happy about eBay's fee hike, but I'm not leaving...yet.

For the price and the amount of traffic it's still a pretty good deal. eBay allows me to have a customizable store for a minimal cost. I can send everybody I know the link, plus browsers on the eBay marketplace will find me through my auctions and sometimes even my store items (when they show up). I would never be able to afford a brick and mortar store. You have to pay rent, insurance, credit card service fees and worry about shoplifters.

Having a store anywhere else doesn't make much sense to me at this point. That might change one day, but for now I'll stay at eBay.