I have used eBay for many years and mostly dealing with international transactions.
Out of thousands of deals only had maybe a half dozen 'bad' experiences.
A book didn't turn up, never got a refund.
A motorbike I won and drove six hundred miles to collect was sold to someone else just before I arrived. (Grabbed the classifieds and got another couple the same day so no drama.)
Guy I bought a camera from cancelled my PayPal, saying he wanted cash collection, and then filed a non paying bidder dispute. Nuts.
Guy in California decided the micro Nikkor macro I sent was an 8/10 not a 9/10. I invited him to return it but he refused saying he wanted a part refund. I told him to find an 8/10 for the same money anywhere or go whistle, resting easy with my 2000+ 100% feedback record.
Set of truck lights sent with poor packing, one smashed to bits.
Very expensive valve amp sent with valves left in when requested them removed and boxed. One smashed and a damaged holder.
In contrast, I have had 100s of very pleasant surprises with items.
I have had guitars that turned out not to be 80s Strats but actually much older. I have had a Les Paul that was supposedly 90s but actually 60s!
Then there are all the times people have gone out of their way to be helpful, especially driving miles to deliver amps and guitars to me. One guy brought a mixing desk and stayed for a weekend, helping me get up to speed with it, (and laying into my home brew it has to be said...).
I have bought and sold a lot of vehicles with eBay and have been amazed at how helpful people have been.
This has involved picking me up from airports and trains and feeding me and even inviting me and my family on holiday in a time share!
I just bought a cheap 4x4 after crashing my car, and when I needed to do that the first thing I did was phone up about one I saw on eBay that did not sell.
Told the guy I would be there at around 3pm, as I was going to get a lift there but I found a bus instead so I was there by 9am. Surprised the guy turning up early, I like to do that anyway when buying vehicles.
He could not have been more friendly, and after three or four hours during which I got to play with his 3 d TV, I set off with some of his excellent home made wine and an invite for me and the wife to stay anytime, and I will be happy to reciprocate when he comes up North or down to London.
So all in all I would say eBay is a fantastic way to buy and sell things, run a business, and also to meet cool people!
