I am aware of what the original poster said.

The rules on Ebay /Paypal are that you need to provide proof of postage. If you can do that you do not have to refund (although I once had to fight 5 claims for a fifty dollar item despite having all the relevant documentation)

I have suffered a similar problem with three items worth almost $ 1,000dollars.

One item was sent registered post to an Australia Post employee who has an arrangement to "safe drop" on the front doorstep of a unit on a very busy main road. Because the item was safe dropped there was nobody who signed for the item and no proof if the item was stolen or if the buyer just pocketed it and made a claim.

I no longer have the item, the money or a reputation. It still does not show as any more than leaving the post office where I lodged it 18 months ago. I was offered 15 dollars compensation.

The address the item was sent to is recognised by my circle of friends as (I remember having a problem with that buyer)

That is why I am offering the suggestion on ways to avoid it happening to others.

By using "do not safe drop" stickers, paying for insurance if the item is valuable enough and lodging all items at the post office you can hopefully avoid the same occurence.

Also as a slightly off topic info.

In this household this month sales on Quicksales 2 Ebay 1