One of my worst eBay online auction experiences was ironically when I purchased an Amethyst Carnival Glass Good Luck Plate.

• I read the description carefully.  The plate was advertised as mint
• I looked at the pictures … they looked perfect and the plate had great color
• I paid $450

The Good Luck plate arrived, and the color was great, except for a brown burn spot on the edge of the plate.  I frowned, wondering how I had missed the big brown spot in the description.  I logged into my computer, and looked at the picture.  The seller was holding the plate and his thumb was covering the brown spot.  GRRRRRR!

I sent a note to the seller and asked for a refund.  He promptly sent me a note back that showed that his auctions were “All Sales Final.”  My heart started beating fast and my face flushed with color.  I had been swindled.  It wasn’t a case of misunderstanding, he had purposefully covered a spot on the plate and mislead me.

Fortunately this story has a happy ending.  I contacted PayPal and returned the plate.  After 45 days, they refunded my money.  I left negative feedback and so did he.

My lesson learned - if the seller says, “ALL SALES FINAL” do not buy from them.  A reputable dealer will always give you a refund.  If the piece isn’t as described, they will even refund shipping.

I’ve noticed that Paypal’s service has deteriorated over the past 12 months. That, combined with eBay’s April announcement makes me wonder if eBay is going to eliminate all of the distractions and start focusing on the online auction business again.  eBay says, “Beginning in the second quarter of 2009, we will start directing eBay buyers to resolve disputes on eBay instead of on PayPal.”

Given the economy and the plight of financial institutions in a low interest rate environment, eBay may be looking to unload PayPal to focus on its core business.  Or, perhaps eBay really does care about its customers. (Glimmer of Hope)

Here’s a clue - if you take money from people then you should welcome the opportunity to work with them on all of their issues.  eBay’s and Paypal’s “ten-foot pole” arrangement, targeted at keeping customers at a distance while you grow rich from their money wasn’t going to work for long term.  Maybe Ebay woke up and realized this.  Or maybe they are just throwing things at the wall hoping that something will stick.