if it is personal collection you can (should is poss) insist on cash transaction). The feedback can be a false friend - it can be manipulated by a cartel - but only so many times.

Anyway the really fast moving prices occur in the last hour and the canny buyer will hit the bid button within seconds of the close.

If you have never bought I would put in a low bid early, sit and watch, and learn. And ignore anyone who has the same item and will sell at your last unsuccesful bid price - tell them to place it for auction - they usually don't. Then watch similar items and do the same until you get the syntax of the place. Use Paypal if they post - it is your record of transaction. They will get a proof of posting so unless it goes lost in the post you are covered. Good sellers insure - at your cost if you have to ask.