Ebay Novice

Okay, I admit it. Until I started homeschooling, I really never had anything to do with Ebay. My sister was into it a couple years ago. I had some friends that really liked to play around on Ebay. Not me. My husband used it once to buy a piece of music equipment. It didn't work, and I was totally turned off.
Yet now I am scouring Ebay for homeschool goods. Having just started this year, I really don't have much. It's been way to cold to find stuff used at yard sales. I haven't found much at the resale shops. The one store that sells used Homeschool goods is an hour away and doesn't have a great selection. Finances have left things tight around here. The local libraries have been great, but their selection of Christian items is small. So, I have gotten on Ebay.
I must not be very good at it, or I just don't get it. I've won a couple bids, but ironically they weren't on homeschool items. They were things I thought would make a good gift for someone, but if I didn't get it, oh well. I guess I don't understand the competitiveness. I see something at a good price, I bid what I will be willing to pay. I get out-bid. What I find crazy is that sometimes with shipping the person that actually won the bid could have gotten the thing new.
For example, I've been looking at getting this one book for Laura. It may only be selling on Ebay for a couple bucks, but with shipping it costs as much or nearly as much as brand new with free shipping.
Now, there are deals to be found. I see some, but I'm unwilling to bid and bid just to win. I know for a fact that often times books can be found so cheap. I see no reason to pay an exhorbitant amount even for a bunch of books of which I may only use a couple and the rest just sit on a shelf.
I know that our finances demand that I find curriculum that is affordable. All the wonderful programs that I want to use are just not feasible at this time. My version of affordable is not the same as some, I realize. I know that I can't put a price on education for my children. But a part of me disagrees with the "Buy This or you don't care about your Kid's Education" mentality behind that statement. I've read too many stories of people that homeschooled their children very successfully without the flashy, expensive curriculums.
So, as I attempt to plan out my curriculum I am also finding my way slowly as a homeschooling mom and teacher. I will say this, shopping on Ebay is adding some interesting fun to the homeschool adventure.