Did you pay via paypal? It is the easiest way to recover lost money.

anyone ever really have mush success going this route?

Yes Rick, or I wouldn't have mentioned it....

If you ask your typical seller on ebay, it is what they dislike about paypal
most. Essentially, if a card is not received, you file a complaint and the
burden of proof is on the seller, making them guilty until proven innocent.
GREAT for buyers, really bad for sellers.

Mike