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The seller does not follow the policy
Summary: thecuratedcorner_96350 asked for clarification on eBay's return shipping policy after a seller required them to pay for return shipping despite the listing stating "Seller pays return shipping." They had selected "Ordered the wrong item" as the return reason. thecuratedcorner_96350 is seeking advice from experienced eBay sellers or mentors on whether the seller's demand aligns with eBay's policies.
Question about return shipping — who is responsible?
I recently purchased an item on eBay and selected “Ordered the wrong item” as my return reason.
The seller’s listing clearly shows:
Returns: Accepted within 30 days
Returns shipping: Seller pays return shipping
Refund: Money Back
However, the seller contacted me and said that because I ordered the wrong item, it is considered an “unwanted item,” and I must pay the return postage myself.
I’m confused because the listing specifically says “Seller pays return shipping.”
For experienced eBay sellers or mentors:
Does eBay's policy allow the seller to make the buyer pay return shipping when the listing says “Seller pays return shipping,” but the buyer selected “Ordered the wrong item” as the return reason?
I’m not trying to avoid the return policy. I just want to understand how eBay applies these two things together.
Thank you!
mudshark61369
MentorSep 16, 2026 at 1:10 PM@thecuratedcorner_96350 ,
"I recently purchased an item on eBay and selected “Ordered the wrong item” as my return reason".
Does the sellers returns policy say 30 days free returns? If it does they have to send you a label, but can deduct the original shipping cost from your refund.
If the seller's returns policy says buyer pays then your seller is right because you chose a Buyer's Remorse reason for wanting to return the item. The Money Back Guarantee (MBG) and the seller's policy does not cover you for your mistakes, and you are responsible for paying the return shipping cost, in order to get a refund. Where the seller's return policy is shown there should be a See details button with more info about their policy.
Open the link below and click on the Return requirements and return shipments button to be taken to that portion of the policy.
https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/ebay-money-back-guarantee-policy/ebay-money-back-guarantee-policy?id=4210#section6