I agree with fash. I've sold a lot of books on ebay - I only list books as "new" if they are shrink wrapped from the publisher and never list books as "like new". I also describe any flaws in my listing and list as "very good condition with just minor shelf wear" if I see no flaws. I prefer to lower a buyer's expectations when it comes to condition.
I wrap all books in a plastic bag which will prevent most water damage, but not all. No matter how well books are packaged if they are shipped media mail they are often going to encounter rougher handling and it won't take much for a box of loosely packed books to sustain some internal damage. I once had a box of books arrive with tire tread marks on the damaged box. Stuff happens with any delivery system.
Now while I list a no return policy, I will usually authorize a return if the buyer is not satisfied with their purchase as long as they make their dissatisfaction known upon receipt (especially with books) - not a month later. I believe that the majority of ebay book buyers are honest so I will give them the benefit of the doubt and not assume they are trying to scam me if they complain. I prefer to solve any problem with a buyer without ebay's customer service involvement as I've had far more experience dealing with customers and ebay's policies than must cs reps have.
Anyone who sells online long enough will encounter problem buyers, and sellers aren't perfect either. Things have really changed in the ecommerce world since ebay was born. I have seen people buy six pairs of shoes online with the intention of returning half of them, and large retailers have made this type of online shopping "acceptable". One can either adjust to dealing with the occasional problem or leave. However, the grass probably won't be any greener elsewhere.
