Condition descriptions like 'good condition' or 'near-mint' are often strongly glossed over by private sellers; PayPal generally does not intervene with condition defects, provided the consignment counts as delivered. Known commercial collector dealers are by contrast reliable but mostly run their own shops outside eBay at often cheaper prices than in the auctions – direct enquiries are worthwhile. Compared with realistic collector prices at pen shows, eBay prices for used and rare pieces frequently lie significantly excessive. Recommended are detailed photos and descriptions on buying and selling as well as a basically sceptical attitude towards unknown private sellers.