Aliexpress is my first point of call now. I've bought about a half dozen items, including an instant hot water system for about half the cost of an equivalent eBay item. It delivered in about 5 days using EMS shipping.
I've only this week received two CCD reversing cameras for around 70 bucks including EMS shipping. EBay sellers want 80 bucks for one.
They use escrow, so you pay up front, the money only goes to the seller once you acknowledge receipt. If you don't get the goods you open a dispute and get your money back. I haven't had to use this yet.
I've had about 5 disputes with sellers on eBay with around 180 transactions.
Cheers, Marschy