I have occaisionally run into the dead beat buyer also, though I have to say, by far most buyers are reputable and honest. I have met many who I would totally trust. I don't understand why Ebay goes to such lengths to protect the bad ones. The forums are a great source for information, and though Ebay claims they do things to bad buyers, it doesn't really appear to be what is really happening. Many ex buyers admit to bid shopping and know that are allowed a limit of up to three unpaid strikes a month and then it is reset. I am not sure if this is still the case, but my experience tells me that Ebay still does not try to seriously reign in the deadbeat buyer. There are supposedly unpaid strikes placed on thier profile page, like with the sellers, but I have not been able to find them. There should at least be a good visible mark that all can see, and that would stop alot of the non payers that are still happening. If an unpaid claim is closed on an unpaid item, that should at least open up the option to leave negative, or at the very least neutral feedback. Amazon has a great check and balance program for both buyers and sellers. Ebay might want to look at thier program. Sellers are tied down pretty tight. Its a shame the same isn't done for buyers.
