I don't know if ebay has changed the local pick up payment policy. But if the option remains, I'd ask for cash at local pick up, no returns. The benefit of local pick up is that the buyer can inspect the item there and then. If they have an issue with it, cancel the sale at the meet up. For any electronic item, I'd show it working at the pick up. I've sold AC units locally in the past (not thru ebay) and always had the item plugged in and blowing cold. Buyer paid cash and left, end of story.
Otherwise, I'd consider selling the AC units via a different local platform (there are many of them), where you won't have to worry about Big Brother. You state you've already refunded on several, so it looks like they're a problem item costing you money.
Another idea is to take a video of it running, you can even hold a thermometer to it showing the cooling temp level achieved. This will at least initially prove it runs, but as a buyer I'd also like to see it in person blowing cold. If your selling for parts or fixer up, that's another story and it will very often lead to trouble from buyers who don't read description or have higher expectations.
mam98031 • Volunteer Community Member • Buyer/Seller since 1999
