I think we are leaving Ebay, we were burned pretty badly. We sold an expensive camera lens, the buyer claimed it was in poor condition upon receipt. It was fine when we sent it, however our proof was inconclusive, and we accepted the return and refunded the buyer, 1131.00. That does not included 25.00 in return postage. The returned lens looked like it had been dropped and broken. Our picture had some dirt in it that 'could' have been the crack in the hood. I was not happy that my husband did not document such an expensive item better, but there it is. I did not check myself, so I had no recourse. All the other lenses and photography items we sold were in excellent condition and I trust him very much, he would not do such a thing, and even if he wasn't someone I trust he knows it wouldn't fly to try to pass off a broken lens as 'excellent'. Even so, the fault was most likely ours as we did not have conclusive proof.
That we have to take such a hit is too hard. Maybe we were being stupid. Perhaps we are not cut out for Ebay anymore, after 16 yrs. of good sales. It maybe they aren't attracting the kind of buyers that are reputable anymore. I have seen several sellers post they aren't making many sales lately, this may be a reason. Right now I don't feel very safe here.
My caution may not be needed to you, as you may be smarter than us, however here it is:
Document, document, document. And then, document again.
In addition to the photos you post in the listing, take photos in the highest resolution you can, at every angle, and if it has moving parts, video tape. Post it to youtube so that the time is noted. Ditto with the photos, perhaps flickr or some such so that it can be seen that it was not photoshopped. Additionally, we should have had the lens inspected by a camera shop and certified. If you can do that with your expensive items do so.
Good luck to all of you and stay safe, and for now at least, so long.
