I have bought from EBTH. I had no issues, or problems. They are much bigger now, than when I started with them.

and after reading their terms in more detail.. looks like paying promptly when receiving the invoice was a BAD idea..... I don't remember being offered insurance btw..and the items don't ship for another week or so because they hold them til after the pickup date even though you already paid for packing/shipping....

Title and Risk of Loss – Subject to these EBTH Terms and Conditions, title and risk of loss to purchased items will transfer from the seller to you upon the completed processing and receipt of your payment by EBTH made in accordance with these terms. EBTH is not responsible for insuring items while in EBTH’s possession. Upon the transfer of risk of loss to you, you agree to maintain adequate insurance coverage on such items located on EBTH’s premises.

Yes, accidents happen. I understand them wanting no responsibility once you purchase. As for shipping, I live in Ohio, so haven't dealt with that, but with other auction sites, it generally takes a week before shipping so they have a decent amount to ship. You can have it shipped yourself though. There is a u ship it site that gives you apthe ability to have others bid on shipping your item, or you can use a regular shipper.

My concern is if I purchase and I pay online from out of state, then there can be a one week delay before they have a 3rd party ship, because they do not ship until after the pickup date ( even though I have already paid for packaging and shipping).

Should the item disappear from their warehouse or be damaged this looks like they are saying they are not responsible for it even though it is in their possession. They also do not offer insurance on checkout. I would definitely not buy unless I was in the area to pick up and would then not want to pay for it til I picked it up.

I totally understand! I have always picked up my items myself, and even travel a couple states away to get them, but you are a bit far for that, unless you bought a lot.

We bought a sofa on Chairish with almost great success. I corresponded with the buyer who was very nice and mailed a fabric swatch so we'd have it, which has been helpful. It did take the shipper a good while to pick up the sofa in NY and then ship it to the west coast, and it appeared to be wrapped well. I pulled back the plastic to look at the upholstery before signing off on the "ok," and it looked fine, but I didn't look at the casters on the front legs, and they'd gotten bent in shipping (the seller said she'd told them to be careful). I was very worried that the legs themselves were damaged and that we'd have trouble finding new casters that fit, but the manufacturer (George Smith) mailed new ones free of charge, our remodeling contractor's carpenter got the bent one off and extracted the snapped off stump of the other one easily, put on the new ones, and it's been great ever since.

I hadn't considered the question of loss between the time you pay and the time it's in the shipper's hands, and, also, shippers are notoriously free of responsibility for damage (absent a specific agreement, I think they pay a ridiculous per-pound amount). I guess it all comes down to one's risk tolerance level.