EBay help, what happens if I sell an item and the buyer claims it's broken?

First mark the item in some way so you can tell it is yours. A tiny scratch on one of the ends would do it Z W or K shape. Take a Clear close-up picture of the mark even if you have to borrow someone's camera. Save that picture on your computer.

If the buyer claims it is broken have them ship it back to you. If the buyer won't ship it back, don't refund. If the buyer ships it back, look for the mark. If the mark is there refund the money. If the mark is not there take another picture showing there is no mark and notify eBay, then the buyer telling them you are NOT going to refund the item. Email the buyer and ask if they want you to mail the swapped iPod Nano back to them at their expense.

Edit: I believe there is a way to not allow bidders below a certain feedback level to bid on your items, you may want to look for that in the future.

The buyer would probably have to file a claim through eBay, but as extra protection, you could purchase insurance on the item when you ship it. That way, if it arrives damaged, you could file a claim against the insurance and get your money back (and refund the buyer, leaving you both satisfied).

Sorry to say there are just too many scammers on eBay and the only way to protect yourself is to refuse to deal with anyone with less than X feedback (10 is usually a miniumium) ..

The 'usual' way they scam you is just to claim it was never delivered .. that way they get to keep the item and get a refund ...

He would need to return the item to you. YOU needed to package it properly so it's not damaged in transit AND have him sign for it on delivery.