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eBay has grown too large too fast. What once was a fun place to use to buy or sell has become a behemoth that cannot control itself. Additionally the "customer service" is an oxymoron - a non sequitir.

I was a Power Seller with 1,000+ transactions and a feedback rating of 699 (repeat customers do not add but their transactions are counted) positive feedbacks, no negative feedbacks, no neutral feedbacks.

I build custom electric guitars and basses. eBay was the answer to a prayer with multiple vendors for almost any component needed to build an instrument. Additionally it was a great place to sell guitars that did not sell quickly in my hometown. I avoided excessive picture fees (a real revenue source for eBay) by using Auctiva.

However, in December 2006 I listed a 1985 Stratocaster. Directly below the title in the "Item Description", and in large red font, I stated "Please read entire item description before bidding, buying or emailing questions". I also posted 18 large images showing every detail of the guitar. I stated that I bought it originally to disassemble and use the parts to finish other MIJ Strats I had on the bench. But it was in very good shape.

I stated at the end of the description, in CAPS and BOLD lettering "Due to the age of this guitar and the facts as outlined above about it having been modified at least 2 times, this guitar is being sold "As Is" and then stated "No returns, no refunds on this guitar".

An adult in Canada bought it using Buy It Now. By the time it cleared Canadian Customs it had been 27 days from the date of sale. He paid with PayPal. Immediately he's e-mailing about the pots being "weird" and I replied that was why I pointed out they were Gibson linear tapers and not Fender audio tapers. He didn't like them so I offered to replace them. Well he didn't like the pickups and they way they sounded. I reminded him that it was sold "As Is". But, I told him to remove the pickguard and mail it to me and I would replace all of it.

OK then the neck was bad too. That was a downright lie and I knew it. But I told him to send the neck too and I'd send a non-Fender neck, brand new, with the updated pickguard. No reply but PayPal sent me notice of a dispute.

7 weeks later they found for me. Of course - it was an "As Is" item. But it ended my business on there. I complained when the crap began, complained while it dragged on, and when nothing was done by eBay or their "PayPal", I quit both. They couldn't have cared less.