You just have to check the feedback. I only buy from people with a 97%+ rating after 100 feedback. Those that had a bad experience are always more vocal than those that had a good experience. If they have a decent amount of good feedback, you don't have to worry, barring some fluke where your item gets lost in shipping.
I have bought a number of products and have never had a problem:
http://feedback.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback2&userid=makingmusic476&ftab=AllFeedback
I got Ico new for ~$50 a few months ago when it was still going for $90+, because of a coupon I got form Live.com, plus a bunch of other cool deals. Recently bought MGS: Portable Ops new.







