B & M stores have always had scammers. I remember my mother telling me in the 1960s, she knew people who purchased an item, carefully removed and kept any tags, wore it, then returned it to the store to say they weren't happy and got a full refund. Not to mention the huge theft that would go on before CCTV and 'store exit security gates'.
People who work in smaller retail stores will tell you that often they will simply give someone a refund for something that clearly isn't faulty or shoes that have been worn a number of times, SIMPLY to get the person out of their store and end the tirade.
People who sell at markets will have people try to steal things while they aren't looking or simply say "I'll give you $2" - for a $10 item.
Selling online can be rewarding and profitable. You only have to see the number of successful Australian ebay millionaires, but they work very hard to secure the right products and change those products to suit the marketplace. For example, one Aussie ebay success story started selling Chinese sourced fishing reels and now sells fancy dress costumes.
So if you are keen on selling (as ebay still has the best coverage although other social media sites are stepping up). I would say go for it, but just as a buyer needs to beware, an ebay seller DEFINITELY needs to be aware of the possibilities and cover yourself appropriately.
