Every experience with Ebay is different. I have never had to request special shipping since I live in WI, but obviously you will have to. Before you buy anything, send a message to the seller asking for an exact quote for shipping. If the seller wont give you a straight answer or anything seems sketchy, just dont buy from them. Also, its very important to review the ratings of a seller. Always see what others said about them, and make a choice on whether or not you want to deal with them. In general, I never buy anything from someone with less than 98% feedback.
The beautiful thing about Ebay for the buyer is you are protected through PayPal for your full purchase. For example, you order your bumper and it never comes or its something completly different than what you ordered, you can get your money back. Just make sure you sign up for a PayPal acount and use your credit card through them.
For shipping costs up to Alaska, it all depends. First, find out what it costs to get a bumper locally. Then, add up the cost of the bumper on ebay with shipping costs. If you cant save atleast 25%, I would probably just buy locally. If you start paying $100+ for shipping, I dont think you are going to reap the benifits of buying a bumper off ebay. Then again, if the seller charges alot for shipping, but the bumper is cheap then you will.

 

so what is your guys' opinion on just making a bumper like some have done?