Buying bobbins on eBay

Having just picked up some lovely bone bobbins on ebay, I thought it might be time to offers some advice about buying second hand modern bobbins.
So here are my top tips on buying second hand on eBay (and elsewhere)

1)    Is this bobbin still available from the original turner / painter at a reasonable price? 
​Supporting our artisans is good karma, but obviously if it's a bargain then you are going to buy the pre-loved bobbin. Don't forget to check out 'find the maker' if you want to identify the maker is

2)    Is the bobbin good value? 
If you have a budget, then set your limit according when bidding. It's really easy to get carried away and bid way over the top

3)    Is this a private seller or a dealer? 
Always check out the other bobbins that the seller has on sale. There are starting to be a number of sellers who are effectively dealers, but pretending to be private sellers. They buy new bobbins from current artisans and then put them straight on to eBay with a markup. I don't believe in Caveat emptor - Buyer beware.

If you then unsure about a purchase talk with one of the most experience lacemakers in the lace Facebook groups.
You are more than welcome to message me.

4)    Take a good look at the photos. 
Fuzzy photos may be someone who isn't good at taking them or it may be an attempt to cover up a less than wonderful bobbin that has a fault.

​There is nothing stopping you contacting the seller to ask for more photos, or information, if you are really interested