Did you know eBay's buyer protection actually covers you for 30 days after the last estimated delivery date, even if the seller says no returns? That guy's reply about using your fingernail is basically an admission the item was not as described, and "tested and working" with a cracked screen is straight up false advertising. You could have opened a case under "item not as described" and eBay would have made him pay return shipping or just refunded you without sending it back. The $12 you ate is exactly what those sellers count on, people not wanting to fight over small amounts. Next time take screenshots of the listing and his message before the window closes, because that toothpick photo alone would win the case.

Watched my friend do the same thing last year, she hit like 150 apps and was crying every Sunday night. I always thought the number kept you motivated, like a scoreboard, you know? But then she stopped cold turkey and only went after 10 jobs she actually cared about and got a callback in like four days. So yeah, I used to roll my eyes at the "quality over quantity" thing but I get it now, the number just becomes this thing you hide behind so you don't have to sit with the rejections. Ray sounds like he knew what he was talking about.