First, I agree with most of you ~~
ebay & paypal are not what they used to be. For a real education in how
ebay is working, go the the ANSWER CENTER:
http://pages.ebay.com/community/answercenter/index.html
However, INSURANCE protects the SELLER, always has. This is NOT new. There really is no such thing as 'as is' in Ebayland. If a buyer is not satisfied with the item (item not as described), they can return it for a refund. That really isn't new either. You can't 'write off' your responsibility to the post office. So insure any items you think are of value, and always get delivery confirmation. Just work it into your shipping costs. No options.
If you sell ANYTHING, it is your responsibility to get it to your buyer in the condition they purchased it in. If the UPS, FEDX, or USPS does anything to your item, it's NOT 'too bad for the buyer.' The buyer can't control how well you package an item, so if items are broken on arrival due to poor packaging, how can he be held liable? Just think how easy it would be for unscrupulous sellers to sell broken, damaged or empty boxes if that was possible!
If you have insurance, you still refund the buyer and all filing for claims is up to you. The applies to all carriers. USPS will pick up the damaged piece, assess whether they are at fault and process accordingly. USPS is more difficult to file claims through.
The new one-sided negative system is a joke. Unfortunately,
ebay has managed to keep any other online auction sites from becoming competition. It's a great concept and many of us have become regular users, both buying and selling. I hope with all the new changes, another site more like the old
ebay will come show up.