I have good times and bad times with purchases on eBay. I go through spats of them, recently things haven't been to bad, but I find letting the seller know that what's been provided doesn't match description is fair and helps them realise that maybe they need to be more honest in their listings for the future, I also leave feedback appropriately and gold stars.
I had some clothes in a bundle for DD that were in an awful state, food still on them, smelled musty where they'd been stored for a few months/years. Obvious tears/wear/rips and stains. A mix of usual high street brands and I paid what I thought was average for a good bundle, they were described as freshly laundered and in good condition, no rips or tears, I messaged that this wasn't up to standard, she said no refunds sorry jog on, so feedback left appropriately. Obviously a negative.
But for things that are only slightly different I will message the buyer, I had some tops that were appallingly stretch width ways and came up too short and wide on DD and were useless to me.
However I have had some exceedingly good buys and am chuffed most of the time. DD's John Lewis coats have been a hit and were a real bargain.
it's about research, often I will watch a number of options before bidding and often over a number of weeks. Like people say, avoid weekend listings, as most people are online and prepared to bid daftly. Check feedback and gold stars.
Things that you should do as a buyer is leave appropriate feedback, for example
'fab coat, condition as described, speedy dispatch'
'fab shoes, condition as described, poor packing'
'disappointing service, item arrived timely, but not as described'
'great item, condition would have improved if packing was better'
'dispatch took longer than expected, but item as described'
'item not as described, seller not happy for return and refund'
It helps others like you get an idea about the sales quality of that person.
My biggest gripe is packaging, yes allow a little on top of postage, but if you send it in a tesco carrier bag... or worst of all a used Maccie D's paper sack don't have the cheek to charge me extra. I do re-use my jiffy bags, but I don't charge for them!