I just completed an eBay transaction that I thought would be a disaster.

The seller didn't have photos of the actual item -- posting generic photos
instead -- while claiming the item was in great shape. His replies to
questions were defensive and aggressive.

I heard all the alarm bells going off. Others must have felt the same way,
because this item -- though offered at an attractive starting price, had
garnered all of two bids. After careful consideration -- he'd been on eBay
since 1999, and though having been involved in only a few transactions, had
100% feedback -- and the quality of his responses was anything but slick --
I decided to bid. My bid, which was only the third, won.

Well...

When I hadn't heard from him "soon enough" after sending the check, I called
to see what was going on. His father (?) took my phone number, and the
seller actually called me back.

When he got my cashier's check (Monday), he raised the eBay "Payment
Received" flag, and -- get this -- immediately left positive feedback! A man
after my own heart! My eBay boilerplate text includes the following...

"Some sellers wait to post feedback, as an implied threat to dissatisfied
buyers. I don't play games like that. I post feedback when I ship the item.
If you pay promptly, you _will_ get positive feedback. Nothing else is
required."

How often have you run into someone like that? Not very.

Needless to say, the guy shipped the item Tuesday, and it arrived yesterday.
It was as-described. I will be calling him this morning to offer profuse
thanks.