Best Way To C.y.a. When Selling On The Bay

The simple answer is, not really. You can do certain things to minimize risk, but the reality is that if the buyer wants to be a pain in the you know what, then eBay/paypal will almost always side with them.

All I can suggest is to always always always pay for tracking, and don't sell to zero or very low feedback buyers.

Long story short, I did some online research using some of his contact information and came up with this page:

http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-718-553-8740

I have blocked this guy before just based on this info but he's now sent me an email to my ebay asking why he can't bid on an item. I'm tempted to sell it to him but want to minimize my risk. But maybe I should just listen to my instincts and keep him blocked... :-(

If you have tracking showing proof of delivery to the buyer's address as defined in Paypal then Paypal Seller Protection will cover you against any claim of 'Item Not Received'. Use Tracked Packet USA or Expedited Parcel USA if you're going through Canada Post. TP only provides insurance up to $100 of value. EP you can buy additional insurance but keep in mind the maximum coverage for coins is $500 even though they'll happily sell you more. However Paypal will not cover you for claims of loss or damage during transit. That's why you also need the carrier's insurance. Also, Paypal will not cover you for a claim of 'Item Not as Described' although they usually require the buyer to return the item (no guarantee the buyer actually returns the item you sent them of course; all they need is a tracking number showing delivery to you, not proof of what is in the package delivered). Even if you do luck out and get the item you sent back in the condition you sent it you'll be out of pocket for the shipping charges.

Two words.

Run. away.

Thanks for all the input. I'm gonna just steer well clear of this guy.

You have to look at it from eBay/Paypal's point of view. Is it cheaper/easier to hire a bunch of staff to monitor and investigate fraud (frequently across international borders) and cover the losses from fraud out of your profits, or to just force the seller to pay for the fraud by shutting them down if they don't? p.s. The second option has the added bonus of forcing sellers to increase prices to cover the losses thereby increasing the amount of money eBay/Paypal get from their percentages.