I agree. The system is not perfect and I applaud your policy to ship items quickly.

I guess though as long as we have crooks in this world, people will do what they feel is necessary to protect themselves from those out there seeking to steal property from others.

Since the seller is originating the process by putting up an item for sale, he has the right to indicate the terms for that transaction. If you do not like the terms set forth, you may choose to pass and not bid on it. If enough people choose not to bid on those items, then and only then will change will happen. I doubt if the process will ever change.

Let's take that one step further... If you write a check at a grocery store, doesn't the grocery store use "telecheck" to make an attempt to validate the check is good? They don't just assume you're not a crook without some attempt to protect themselves.

How 'bout a bank.... When you deposit a check in a bank, will the bank automatically allow you to use those funds? No they won't. Unless you personally have enough funds already in your account to cover the check in case it bounces. They specificially earmark that money as non-collected funds until the check clears. After the item clears, the bank will roll that money into your collected and "available" funds. Seems to me everyone thinks everyone else is a crook these days...

Do you indicate in your auctions that you ship items upon notice that payment is sent and that you don't wait until the payment is collected? I bet if you did, that would put a bullseye on your auctions from someone to come along take advantage of you. It's sad, but I feel this is true.