Some questions about eBay?

[Akami Kitsune]

So I know that most of these will seem stupid but I'm new and I want to know what I get myself into.

Firstly when should I pay? Before or after I get the item? Also what if I don't get the item but payed? What will happen then?

Secondly what does Free Shipping mean ( I mean is it really free or is just cheaper because let's say that I want to buy something that cost 6.00$ and it's with free shipping, but how would this be advantageous for the seller, shipping to my country is 17.00$ so wouldn't the seller just lose money?)

For example (the first item from here)
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=Dan...&_from=R40

- it says that is free shipping but when I click it:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Non-Slip-Dance-R...3a7a3a72c0

it says:
Shipping:
FREE Standard Int'l Shipping | See details
International items may be subject to customs processing and additional charges.

Item location:
hong kong, Hong Kong

Ships to:
Worldwide


So it is free shipping or is it the Standard Int'l Shipping thingy? BTW what does that mean.


Thanks for the help!
Sorry I'm not sure I put the question in the right category...
Also what if I'm not home when the item is delivered? Where does it go? How do I know when it comes? What if it comes later?

[Liliya]

On ebay, free shipping means free shipping. Although sometimes it has free shipping for a different country and when you change it to your country you have to pay.

[flower]

1. You bid on an auction item or purchase outright on a Buy It Now item. You get an invoice from seller. You pay with Paypal. Then seller ships the item.
2. If you dont receive it, you file a claim in the Resolution Center for Item Not Received.
3. Free Shipping is in the country where the item is located. Otherwise it would be a loss to the seller. The exception is when seller knows the item will get bid up to high price to cover cost of shipping.
4. Your listing in China says there may be import duty. I never buy from China.
5. If item is delivered and requires your presence, they leave a notice, like any other package.

You are not buying from Ebay. You are buying from an individual seller. Ebay facilitates transactions in this marketplace.