Has Ebay really got this bad?

[Lyndaishistory]

"Warranty Information:
I'm going to start by saying the item is sold "AS IS, That is, no refund!" But it doesn't matter. As long as you submit a request for return under the category of "not as described" (even if it was), eBay will allow you to send back the item despite any of my objections or how valid your reason is. Want a bad ass CPU for a weekend lan party? Order here and when your done return it under the "not as described category". Want to test out a piece of hardware you aren't familiar with? No problem! When you're done with it just request a return under "not as described category" (even if it was). To reiterate, the party line is, the item is sold as is with no refunds. But just tell eBay it wasn't as described (even if it was) and they will seize the money out of my paypal the second you request the return. When I ask eBay to intervene, there automated system will automatically grant you your request regardless of any objections I have, or evidence I wish to present. AND.... if that isn't enough, it will generate a return label and you can send it back at my expensive. So, even though I'm just one guy working out of my garage, selling used electronics, you can buy with the same amount of confidence you would with Amazon, because as far as eBay is concerned, I may as well be."

Seen a lot of these types of messages in independent sellers listings, recently.
Has Ebay really go this bad? I remember it being a great place to sell things but recently I sold a couple of things that (unfortunately) went for 99p. I ended up owing ebay money for those listings.
Is there an alternative? Or will Ebay continue to get worse?

Link:
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sigma-Designs-Realmagic-EM8300-/163201304485?nordt=true&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m43663.l10137

I've just remembered more bad experiences this year, as a seller! I won't use the global shipping programme anymore as people were refusing to pay at auction close. One begged me to cancel the transaction, which I did, the others ignored.
The worst waited four days then told me they would pay max £2.40 only as that was the actual cost to Germany. When I told them this wasn't possible they grew angry, sent several ranting insulting messages, and told me I could keep my Scandinavian clothes as I wouldn't be able to buy more after Brexit anyway! I reported that one for harassment and they didn't bother me again.

you have to offer Paypal as an option
even with supposedly cash on collection items

Yes you have to offer it but you don’t need to accept it, you just write in huge font on the listing “cash on collection only”, and if the buyer still pays by PP then just refund it straight away and send them a message explaining why and reminding them it’s cash only.

Accepting PayPal for collection only items is madness.

LivingMum your post doesn’t make sense. How were you forced to refund cash?
Ebay cases for cash sales are for communication purposes only. I don’t understand how your buyer could have “won” and how you had to refund cash without getting the buggy back?

you just write in huge font on the listing “cash on collection only”, and if the buyer still pays by PP then just refund it straight away and send them a message explaining why and reminding them it’s cash only

Sounds good in theory doesn't it? And of course you're right that it would be stupid to accept Paypal for collections

But I tried this method once, only to be reported as a "non performing seller" who was apparently "refusing them the purchase" ... and sure enough a snotty email arrived from ebay

In all seriousness, is it really any wonder that so many avoid selling on there now (doubtless explaining all the advertising they're doing)?

@19lottie82 you've misread my post. I wasn't asked to hand over cash, the money was taken by PayPal. I was told by eBay this was entirely reasonable, as all sellers must offer PayPal. It's for the exact reason that a buyer collecting an item which later turns out to be faulty or not as described is still covered by the buyer protection offered on site.
The agent I spoke with at the time actually admitted that eBay would prefer it if they could remove the collection option.
Hope that clears up any confusion

I've switched to selling on Facebook now too as a result of all the stories of getting scammed, plus the added bonus of no fees. Ebay plus PayPal fees are a killer, as is paying fees on the P&P costs but not (officially) being allowed to add those into your P&P costs.

However my personal experience has been the other way. I've had no issues as a seller (I think this is luck rather than believing it isn't rife), but numerous as a buyer.
Just this week I received an item which had been advertised as a branded product but is made by a third party and missing the major selling point of the branded version (the reason I was paying x3 the cost of the cheap ones!). No response from the seller, so waiting out the 8 days to raise it with ebay.
I've had several books this year that were described as 'very good', and have been either incredibly well-thumbed and dog-eared or in one case ripped and missing a number of essential inserts.
I've had a large bundle arrive missing items, which when I contacted the seller was told tough, and "I don't know why you're complaining, you got a really good deal on it"
These are just a few examples. EBay/the seller has refunded where I could be bothered to raise a complaint, but it's all takes time and effort to repost back. This lastest issue means I haven't got the item I needed for this weekend now too, so further inconvenience. I've had what are clearly genuine mistakes and I don't mind sorting those out, but I can't believe the chancers are just doing it to me so how are they still trading?

Living your post says you refunded the PayPal and then when the buyer came to collect “No thank you, money chucked at me.”?

I would like to sell something on ebay,i have an account but have only bought not sold,
How do i go on about selling, can i link it to my normal paypal account
TIA

Yep. Sold an old console and some games that I tested worked. Got a response that half the games didn’t work - but obviously I don’t have any evidence with which to prove that they do. Had to give a refund. Luckily postage was cheaper than I expected so I made a grand total of £2.

Ive been selling DC’s old clothes on eBay for a couple of years and never had a bad experience.

Things must have changed as 10 years ago I bought an antique that was not as described (said solid silver but was silver plated when it arrived and worth much less than I paid) so I raised a dispute; eBay wouldn’t refund.

You have to offer Paypal as an option but you don’t need to accept it, you just write in huge font on the listing “cash on collection only” Unless things have changed you can't do this. I've had two listings ended by Ebay for requesting cash on collection even when Paypal is listed as an option. Still had to pay the listing fee. I don't use Ebay anywhere near as much as I used to, I've had too much hassle with it to be bothered anymore.