Is "I will not be providing a tracking number, please purchase this item at your own discretion!" Sufficient protection against lost items?

[lifeisnbd]

Tracking numbers are very expensive and if included in the price will destroy my competitiveness on eBay. What can I do to protect myself against lost items during shipping? What messages or proofs can I provide?

[reallynicestamps]

Why not just say"This item is FREE! Buy it and then Dispute for Non-Delivery! I have no protection at all! All scammers and crooks welcome to bid!!!!"

No.

The way to handle this is first to realize that unlike the USPS, Canada Post automatically insures most of its services against loss or damage in transit, and is very good about paying out on reasonable claims.

(There are changes coming soon. Read about them and don't panic.)

When such insurance is available, say that the shipment is insured. "For your protection" if you like, although the insurance actually protects you. Many scammers don't understand the difference between insurance and delivery confirmation and won't bother trying to fake you out.

Then use self-insurance to cover uninsured services.

Or look into third-party insurers like shipinsurance.

And crunch some numbers. Just as B&M stores get a percentage of shoplifters, online retailers get scammers. Learn how to recognize the obvious scams and adjust your selling practices to beat or manage them.

Note that some categories (electronics, dolls, horsetack, games, many others) are rife with scammers.

Self-insure based on the actual number of refunds you are asked for. With eBay, this is higher than on other sites I sell, but even so, as a bookseller I see maybe one or two claims of non-delivery a year, often cleared up while we are still discussing the problem . The postal service is very reliable.

Don't panic.