1. You don't need to be brave to buy on eBay, you need to spend all of 15 seconds checking feedback and listening to your gut. The seller likely had very obviously nonexistent or shitty feedback and the buyer ignored clear warning signs because he wanted an easy deal.
2. Buyers always win disputes even when they're completely wrong or careless. I would bet my life he got his money back within a week.
3. You need to be much more worried about scammers on eBay as a seller. Buyers can file fake claims and scam the shit out of you for hundreds or even thousands of dollars with almost no effort.
maybe 99% of the time, but 1% this isn't true.
I bought a JBL speaker last year, eBay & usps said it was delivered but when I got home it wasn't there. either usps delivered to the wrong address, or a passerby saw a package on my front step and fucking took it.
but I wanted my money back right? eBay wouldn't give it to me since the tracking said it was delivered so I had to escalate it further to get my money back, and it came directly from eBay, not the seller.