That makes life a bit clearer, as the above didn't appear when clicking the links in their initial email, but having sold something, it's at the top of the order page.
First point we are still working on a wing and a prayer, as discussed.
Second I've no idea what that is, but is why we have a collection only bulky item still in the orders list as awaiting dispatch two months after it was collected, with feedback left by them. Neither ebay nor buyer offered a 6 digit or QR code to 'allow' the item to be marked as collected, nor can feedback be left.
Third item could be problematic for some given the only real authority on authenticity would be the OEM. Are they really going to refer thousands of pairs of shoes or handbags to the likes of Gucci? Methinks not.
Fourth item I already operate my own personal buyer protection by not buying items shipped this way so as to eliminate un-necessary costs, and similarly do not offer it so that my buyers don't get shafted either. For those that do use it, presumably it will be the best option, but would still be subject to the caveat of point 1.
Fifth item, which will cover the majority of crap on ebay, it's inconvenient, but bearable. It will also cover a lot of items in the first category.
For international sales, it would be a real pain in the ass for signed for shipments as delivery time can be weeks. Some may be forever considered stuck in the local PO as per Stuart, and a buyer with a nervous/bloody minded disposition could easily claim a refund that couldn't be disputed.
Given ebay can already recover funds from sellers for items not received/as described etc, the only advantage is to ebay themselves in the form of holding say 1 week's turnover in their bank, with sellers similarly disadvantaged. The dressing up of this change as enhanced Buyer Protection is complete crap, as they enjoy no further protection to that already existing. All things considered, it should restore ebay's lost income from FVFs given 4% plus 75p is mostly 75p for untracked items.