described my purchases as "hardware" for shorthand, but it's mostly car and bike related, like after market parts, bearings, fasteners and specialty tools and Ebay is not the only option there.
*Bought some used bike parts from an interstate wrecker through Ebay. The guy called me to discuss item condition/suitability and delivered within 2 days. Now my preferred seller for such things.
.....message the seller to expect negative feedback and (if required soonish) purchased an alternate item other means. That seems to spook this kind of seller. In each case (about 1/month over the last 3 months), I've received a "refund/keep item" offer, coupled with a plea for positive feedback. No need to actually pursue it with Ebay. I usually leave negative feedback anyway, depending on the seller's honesty level, but it usually "disappears".
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For the types of items you are after, buying from an Australian seller definitely sounds like the best way to go, especially if you are after some of the tools reasonably soonish.
I think checking out the registration area of the seller is really important for those kinds of purchases Even though it seem to be a drag, it is just a couple of extra clicks and worth the bother.
It's good to know you've found some trusted sellers on ebay too. I've never bought tools but I know a while back I found a very helpful seller who sold ribbon and even if I could not find what I was after in ads on ebay, if I messaged her about colour and width I needed, she would usually have stock she could help me with and she would list it for me.
Ebay is actually a great place for finding what may be hard to find in stores.
Just a heads up though. I personally would be wary of messaging a seller and mentioning feedback at all. They may report it to ebay as feedback extortion. You could certainly say you were unhappy and explain why though. But if you mention that you will give neg feedback unless etc then an ebay rep may well remove that feedback for the seller.
So don't mention feedback in any exchange. But these days, ebay allows people to go into a lot more detail with feedback so you can give an honest appraisal after the transaction is completed.
