Whenever I create an account, I avoid ABSOLUTELY ANYTHING that might cause a link. I go way beyond the normal techniques. Just because eBay (or Amazon) is not linking one way today, does not mean they won't do so in the future. So, I am VERY careful.
I NEVER:
- look an any other item I am listing from a different account
- Use the same IP address to log into two accounts.
- Look at email unless I am in the stealth account.
- use the same PC for more than 1 account per platform
- recycle PC's
- use common sources for credit cards, such as Vanilla Visa
I ALWAYS:
- Use a variety of browsers
- Use a variety of OS's
- Have DIFFERENT plugins and fonts installed on each browser
- Use a mix of dial up and broadband cards
- Maintain a working phone number for each account
My way of doing it is MORE EXPENSIVE, but it works for me, and I don't lose too many accounts. Of course, I also maintain myself in a professional manner at all times and give top notch customer service. I NEVER argue with customers and give refunds when necessary. Most customers DO return the merchandise. For the one that does not, it is NOT WORTH IT to me to lose the account over what - $20 to $50???
Too many people get caught up in "what is right" or not wanting to be scammed by a buyer. But I am in business to MAKE MONEY, not to take the high moral ground or fight wars with jerks. Every decision I make is a BUSINESS DECISION. Sure, I have to fight the urge to "reach through the screen" and beat on a dishonest buyer sometimes. But I just do it, and continue on my way. If you start to take this stuff personally, it will drive you nuts.
Besides, do you think you would be perfectly happy in a 9-5 JOB, with a BOSS who makes you work late? Or on weekends? Or yells at you in front of everyone? Or does not want to give you a raise for 3 years? Or whose idea of a raise is 25 cents an hour? Or who is horrible in some other way? I lucked out in the past with most of the people I worked for, but there are a lot of tyrants out there making people's lives miserable. And then, your income is limited to what your boss feels you should have. NO THANK YOU!
And owning your own retail brick and mortar would be even worse. Rent is due each month, regardless of whether or not you make money. You have to be there every single day. Customers can be nuts in person too, not just online. Stores get robbed, and sometimes the owner gets shot and/or killed. Again, NO THANK YOU!
So, If I have to suck it up occasionally and deal with a crazy buyer, or let someone get away with something, so be it. I decided long ago to NOT deal with expensive items, for that reason. My system works. It may not work for YOU, but it does work.
Are you guys worried? 
