First, the most important news. The bike in question arrived today. And it was quite well-packed. Better than average. I haven't removed it from the box, but it probably survived its jaunt unscathed.
So, I'm feeling suitably humble about the business. The seller was apparently on the up-and-up. Why the seller would not reply to my repeated requests for payment confirmation is a mystery. I'll admit to being something of a nervous-nellie in this matter. Usually I don't worry much about my ebay transactions. I try to take a *s'est la guerre* attitude. Saves me a lot of pain.
But, for some reason, the seller's silence after payment rubbed me the wrong way in this instance.
So, false-alarm, but, I'm very grateful for all the tips on what to do if a purchase does go south. Now I'm prepared. Hopefully I'll never have to use them.
Thanks to all who e-mailed. This list full of smart, generous people. I'm glad to be here.
Charles Andrews
Los Angeles