| OR eBay could simply get rid of the little tick box. If "no returns" means nothing, why give a potential seller the illusion that it does??? That's like putting an ashtray on a restaurant table, then kicking a patron out for lighting up. |
I spoke to an Ebay rep not too long ago about a different issue and afterwards brought some questions I had about "refunds" to the table. I've also learned, depending on who you speak with at Ebay, each representative (3) gave me 3 different answers and I think the reason why is because nothing about the "refund" policy is 100% concrete yet and perhaps they are still working on some instructions????
I had asked about refunds for different items. I asked the Ebay Reps how can a seller sell handbags, makeup, jewelry, perfume, clothes, etc - pretty much "wear-able" items and then allow the buyers 45 days to return them. I explained to ebay about my items, how buyers can wear them, take parts off, - use them and then return them. There are very few stores that allow buyers to return items if used or worn or missing parts. Each Ebay rep did tell me that it's still important to document your (the Seller's) terms of service, because if a case is opened, then Ebay looks at the item add, the dates of delivery (having a tracking number at all times now will be important), and the Seller's terms to make their decision.
Each Ebay Rep was very understanding of my concerns and for now, as a Seller I still have rights of what refund I will allow - if in fact my add describes every detail and leaves nothing out. Time for "book writing."
I was also told that in answer to many of the items being sent back to the Seller (the number of cases opened) are using the "Not As Described" reason, and seller not allowing refunds) - is the change of how refunds will be handled. Kind of like the shipping fees. :_|
So, I will for now, keep setting my adds up in such detail as possible that leaves nothing out and will keep noting my terms of refund that best fits the items I have for sale.
Now another interesting statement from one Rep was also about Electronics and "New" items for sale. Keep in mind that most department stores offer a 30 day refund/return policy for new items, even if you find on week 3, the electronic item you bought is not working - you take it back to the department store and get an exchange (Sellers selling Electronics - keep that in mind) or if an exchange is not available - the buyer gets their money back and the Seller (dept store) sends their merchandise back to the manufacturer for warranty, repair, or even a new item. As a Seller, you set your terms for a fair refund/exchange in the beginning so if something should happen - Ebay will still want you to try to work it out with the buyer first and by listing your terms of refund, then the buyer will have some "real" decision making to do before they purchase your item.
Ebay also stated that if it's a New item being sold, and the buyer within the 45 days after wants a refund, it must be returned in the same exact order it was received. The price tags cannot be removed, no opened perfume bottles - etc, clothes cannot be washed (especially to try to remove stains if worn)- new tags cannot be removed, and so on, there will be a list of Refund Policies both the Buyer and Seller will need to follow.
Because of this being an internet sales site, it makes sense that the majority of items will fall under that 45 day limit. 15 days grace period for the item to be recieved by the buyer, and 30 days for refunds to be worked out. To save me from the ever dreaded excuse of "I never received it - if it's insured over $200 they have to sign for it, anything under gets the signature request." That's just for my protection and so far when I had to use it, (4x) it stopped that buyer dead in their tracks.
I believe Sellers with concerns should contact Ebay, email them or call them with your concerns and after you talk to them about your store - products, many of you will be rest assured that this is not a bad thing. Many Sellers are complaining of SNADS, but yet they don't take their time to complete their reasonable terms of service of refunds nor take their time in putting detail into their adds. You will not be able to take advantage of restocking fees if you don't list them in your Refund Terms Of Service.
There are a lot of Excellent Sellers on Ebay, but there are also a ton of lazy ones that don't document as they should in their add and follow through and many of these Seller's are saying, "well if the buyer didn't ask - it's not my fault, it's the buyers." And as a buyer - I have run across this several times this year alone from certain Seller's. And that is something Ebay is not going to accept anymore (nor have they ever). When an attitude is given to Ebay like that from the Seller - then 100% of the time, the Seller will loose their case no matter what.
It makes perfect sense to me and I hope what I have added here will help others to understand what may be happening with refunds and if you have any concerns, it may be best to contact Ebay directly.
Good luck to everyone when this refund policy is put in place 100%.
