Types of items that attract sketchy buyers ... I think it's time for a change

[uperman]

Anyone have any advice on how to handle my problem?  Anyone have success dealing with EBay regarding suspect buyers? 

Here's my rant ...

Every time I encounter a suspicious buyer saying something doesn't work or is not as described, and wants a refund, I think 'Is EBay worth it?'.  Just did the math on the last item.  I would have to sell 8 more similar items JUST TO BREAK EVEN.  I just think about how much time does it take to acquire 9 of these types of items, list them, package them, etc, etc. 

I think it's time to narrow down the categories of items that I sell. 

I don't know if there's anything EBay can do regarding this issue, but I won't be selling electronics, power tools, mechanical items, bulk glassware, or anything else I've had problems with buyers on.  It's not even close to being worth the time and money involved.  The list of items I won't sell keeps growing!

[phcd1]

You selling a lot of (lets say) older items and many are being sold "untested" yet you have a return policy. That is a deadly combination. You best bet on "untested" is to sell for "Parts or Repair only" with a "No Returns" policy. Is that combination a 100% guaranteed safe bet, no, but it beats what you have by a long shot. If you want to learn about SNAD, check out my post back in NOV 2016 (click on my name, profile, search for SNAD, should be the 2nd one down) about SNAD. Yes it's long, but it has everything you need to know about SNAD claims. It has ebays POV and a lot of sellers POV and A LOT on eBay policy. Good Luck.

[uperman]

Thanks for the response.  I'll check out the reference when I can.

I've learned thru the years to be very careful with items that are mechanical, electronic, etc. in nature.  Listing the cordless drill was a lapse in judgment on my part.  I just wish such lapses didn't cost so much money.  Loss on the value of the item (item returned won't have any value), loss on time, loss on shipping.  It's going to lead to a couple interesting calls to EBay.

I highly doubt the drill would have sold if listed as 'parts or repair'.  Some things it works well, others not.  I experimented with that previously. 

I don't get all bent out of shape on this stuff, but given the other outlets I have for selling stuff, I think I am having to re-evaluate my long time relationship with EBay.  It's just nuts and bolts crunching the data.