Definitely cost effective - especially if you do have more than one bub. I think I have spent $800 - $1000 all up on nappies with the 2 girls but would have saved thousands of dollars on disposables. I still use sposies if we go away and I always balk at how much they cost - they add an extra $30 or so to any holiday!

As PP said - I wouldn't shop on eBay. If you can get to a baby expo or the like you can see them in real life and get an idea. Many of the threads here can help with preferred brands and styles. You can also get one of a couple of different styles or get some second hand ones to try before you buy.

Personally, I like the pocket style with adjustable studs as they are trim, suit my girls body shapes and dry quickly in a cooler, damper climate.

The bucket isn't bad as MCNs dry bucket so no soaking poo and you can get a little squirt to get it off into the loo. Once bubs starts solids most poos just roll off the nappy into the toilet.