Has Anyone Tried a No Returns Accepted Policy?
Summary: idealgems1 is frustrated with constant returns despite detailed listings and asks for advice on implementing a "no returns" policy. 1940fc sympathizes but remains cautious, as the customer often prevails. 44012 advises against it, sharing experiences of accepting returns to avoid negative metrics. tobaccocardyahoo uses a "no returns" policy to deter indecisive buyers, while scifidaughter64 manages with a similar policy, making exceptions for valid issues. idealgems1 appreciates the feedback, noting trends with frequent returners. carolbearstreasures07 and shado-x also share strategies to handle returns selectively. The discussion provides varied perspectives on managing returns to balance customer satisfaction and seller protection.
I'm at my wits end. We make very complete listings with accurate sizes of everything, weights, lots of photos, and a video. We include a link (actually a route to the link because they don't allow links) to the manufacturer's websites so the buyer can garner other photos and information about the items whenever possible. We make a direct plea to not buy an item if the buyer thinks they might return it. But in the end, we have always allowed returns because we feared our sales would grind to a halt if we didn't.
In spite of everything we do, and in spite of over 80% of our sales being authenticated by GIA now (which proves that our listings are accurate), we get returns. ALL THE TIME. They hold our funds on one sale to pay for a return, release the funds from the next sale, then hold the next funds while the item we just sold is returned.
The accounting is a nightmare on these returns. Partial settlements being paid to cover returns and credit card charges to pay for returns if we didn't make a sale that week. And it really pi$$e$ me off to have to pay for a return label for these returns even though returns are supposed to be at the buyer's expense.
So, my question is...do any of you have experience with a "no returns allowed" policy? I'm scared to try it, but I am just fed up. I think if my sales dropped to 50% of what they are now with no returns, it might just be worth it.
Any and all input would be appreciated; thanks in advance for your help!
soh.maryl
·1 week agoIt has been many years since I sold on eBay (under a different ID), but I just cannot understand why we are discussing "No Returns" when obviously experienced sellers know that such a stance has no meaning if a buyer opens an item not as described case. And you can say "FINAL CLEARANCE" all you want, but, again, in the face of an NAD claim, that means nothing.
idealgems1
OP1 week agoI guess I should have prefaced my expressed displeasure with returns by saying that what I am selling here is leftover inventory that I believe is worth more than scrap value (which is basically what liquidators were offering for it). I wanted happy customers too, and returns weren't a big deal...when we were in business as an ongoing entity. My wife and I "retired" nearly six years ago when we sold our brick-and-mortar fine jewelry store. We did not make the new owners buy any inventory they didn't want, and thankfully, we were/are in a good financial position where we didn't have to rely on proceeds from our inventory. We only have a dozen or so jewelry items left to list now...then we can determine if this is how we will go about selling the loose gemstones we still have. Thanks again, everyone for your thoughts; I really appreciate the insight!
shado-x
·1 week agoI accept no returns; however, that is a metaphor because I do accept returns on certain circumstances or even refund straight up. No returns are to weed away bad buyers. I do wish eBay would provide a better description to choose from so that I can say I accept certain returns for defective items (which I have to anyway) rather than a cart blanche return policy for everything.
kensgiftshop
·1 week agoI think No Returns only makes the seller feel good until a buyer files an INAD and seller can't do anything about it.
I've been selling online since 99 and I wouldn't even think about not accepting returns.
I want happy customers and if they don't like the item, send it back, it's not a big deal.
idealgems1
OP1 week agoThanks to everyone for your input. I like the idea of somehow stating that it is a clearance liquidation price and using "no returns" as the default setting (then allowing them as needed). I think it's a great point that the "no returns" status may scare away buyers that are frequent returners.
One thing I've learned, is that the "Chatty Cathys" that are asking lots of questions and commenting on the listings are definitely the ones more prone to returns. After a couple of back-and-forths I'm saying to myself, "oh no, here we go again..."!
carolbearstreasures07
·1 week agoGood insights. As I primarily sell pre-owned/estate jewelry in both fashion and fine I tend to have a no returns policy. I think it's simpler and keeps most "quick buy then regret" buyers. I swear buyers may not notice or take into consideration sellers like us whom do resale.
Thankful to not have too many issues; just a couple "didn't fit" or "clasp failed" issues that's manageable in eBay's policies.
Participating in the GIA authentication is nice to give buyers additional info on items. I only wish sellers got more detailed info from the program when items get rejected so we can update listings for accuratly.
scifidaughter64
·1 week agoI've had a no returns policy for years. Of course, I have made returns if it arrives broken, I forgot something or if they contact me with a legitimate issue. It has cut down on some sales but I am not a big seller. Normally only about 24 a month, so it doesn't affect me as much as some of the bigger sellers.
tobaccocardyahoo
·1 week agoA no returns policy is unenforceable on most internet marketplaces, including Ebay.
I have a no returns policy. I accept all requests for returns unless the buyer is totally loco when they contact me.
The reason I have a no returns policy is to ward off buyers who are buying items intended to be presents for a collector. In the pre-Christmas sales period I would be deluged with orders from these people, who would receive them and request a return if they saw something they liked better or was cheaper. I would when the sale was on a site with extended returns until after January 15, be deluged with returns from the recipients who already had the item, or collected something completely different.
If no returns makes a buyer go away without buying, it is doing what I want it to do.
44012
·1 week agoI would never advise a no returns policy. The MBG will always succeed in the end.
Today, I just accepted a return that I will pay for because someone did not read the listing where the measurements are stated 3 times in various places (title, specifics, written description). They indicated it did not fit. This does not hurt my metrics. I pay for the returns which sucks but most likely the buyer is more likely to tell the truth about why they are returning it when they don't have to pay for the return.
If I had a NO returns allowed policy that buyer would most likely say it was not as described in order to have a free postage return due to the MBG. And this hurts my metrics.
Finally, I usually only shop at places where if I need to make a return that I will be able to. It doesn't matter if it is at a department store, other on line retailers or at my local sporting goods store. The only time I have ever purchased a no return item was a final sale when a store was going out of business.
Just keep your records and you can deduct at tax time. ✌
idealgems1
OP1 week agoMy store already went out of business!!! That's why I am selling remaining inventory on eBay at less than GOB Sale prices! Ha ha!
44012
·1 week agoYeah, I saw that and I saw what lovely items you have for sale. I only sell costume items so I am sure dealing with returns is much more of a hassle for you.
Maybe you can write something like "Final Clearance" in the actual listing? (Note, I didn't look) but perhaps that would give folks a pause before clicking buy it now. Sometimes I think while the expensive items are more of a great investment I then think these are the items buyers receive and then realize they need to buy food for the week.
Honestly, beautiful items! I wish I could click buy it now! :-)
evelyb30
·1 week agoUnfortunately, due to garbage like this, I don't think eBay is the place for fine jewelery any more. Too many chiselers and just plain idiots.
1940fc
·1 week agoSorry you're having so many headaches, gems.
Seems like all I have ever heard with those that have it (I have it in mine, but no problems so far) is that in most cases (not always tho) the customer wins anyway.
But I'm sure many opinions on it, so will be interesting to see what others have to say