Allowing returns vs. not allowing returns
Do you get more net sales by allowing 30 day returns vs. not allowing returns?
When would a no return policy be appropriate?
Thanks for your help!
11 comments
Do you get more net sales by allowing 30 day returns vs. not allowing returns?
When would a no return policy be appropriate?
Thanks for your help!
frugalmarketplace
·2 months ago@antiqueprintsmaps
I don’t like returns anymore than the next seller, but I take returns. My returns are very low.
stainlessenginecovers
·2 months ago15 years and 25000+ transactions (just giving my resume) and here's what I've experienced.
Buyers buy and the VERY few that want to return, it's good for the entire site and all sellers, to just 'let them' and 'refund' accordingly. After all, they are not happy about something..so why FORCE it down their throat?
Most buyers don't even look at 90% of a listing.
They see 'price' and a 'picture'.
Most don't read 'handling times, return policy or description.
When a buyer wants to return, they simply start a return and if you have no returns and say 'no', most just move on to the next phase of a 'chargeback' and 90% of those win, if the buyer 'just ships the item back' and shows their bank the tracking info or......
Buyer don't like you much anymore and
a.) won't buy from you again
b.) leave nasty feedback
So, I learned that, with a few exceptions, allow returns.
Depending on what you are selling, could be as low as 'less than 1%' of total sales.
Those buyers that DO read things like 'returns' etc. will NOT think you have something to hide.
powell-collectibles
·2 months agoone more thing. I'm not a buyer for the types of items that you sell, BUT I would think that they are low return rate items. That's just my assumption - if I'm buying one of your items, it is because I'm looking for it. I "need" it, so not likely something I'm going to send back just because I changed my mind. And your stuff isn't so expensive that I'm going to keep looking for something cheaper and no longer want the one that you sold to me.
powell-collectibles
·2 months agoYes, you will get more sales with a return policy in place. A few reasons:
1) some buyers limit searches to "returns accepted," "free returns," or both
2) some buyers will assume no returns means that you are selling junk
3) some buyers are on the fence and want the freedom to return if they don't like the item
4) some would say that eBay favors sellers with returns in search results, regardless of buyer search filters
That increase in sales would be difficult to estimate, impossible to know for certain. Most sellers that try out returns get a quick read on the benefits and detriments. Many report a decrease in false INAD's. Many report no noticeable increase in returns, period. Some - especially in high-return categories - have significant upticks in returns. Me, I have very few returns - it isn't an issue for me to offer free returns. Heck, if someone isn't satisfied, I wouldn't want to discourage a return and/or encourage a false INAD claim. But, my return rate supports that approach.
antiqueprintsmaps
OP2 months agoThank you for your thoughtful advice!
shire123
·2 months agoI've been selling for years on ebay and have a free, 30 day return policy. In all my years I can count on one hand the number of returns I have had.
Your pictures and descriptions should go a long way in preventing returns.
kibble-net
·2 months agoIf you're just looking to get rid of some items in your closet or garage, no returns is perfectly fine. Though if the item is not as described, the buyer can still return it. "No Returns" is normal for non-resellers.
If you're looking to build a long term business, you should accept returns. If you offer free returns you can get a 10% discount on your Final Value Fees if you qualify for Top Rated. (You don't have to refund the original shipping cost with free returns when remorse returns - just make sure not to do 'free shipping'.)
Whether or not having returns available gets you more sales is debatable. It really depends on what you are selling. If it's an inexpensive item it probably makes no difference, but if I'm buying an expensive laptop I'd expect some kind of guarantee from the seller.
catjewels9876
·2 months agoI have a no returns policy because I don't want to deal with returns. I will deal with any issues a.buyer has considering eBays money back guarantee.
I read these posts often for pointers and expertise so I have to point out that according to what I've read there are some buyers who will not buy from a seller who doesn't have a return policy.
In essence no returns could impact sales.
tobaccocardyahoo
·2 months agoIMO the items you are selling will sell at the same rate whether you offer returns or not, after you net out returns.
I use a no returns policy because I wish to discourage buyers who do not know whether they want to buy the item or not. Such buyers usually return the items. Having to deal with high maintenance buyers is a punishment I do not wish upon my enemies, and everything I can do to discourage them from buying, is something I will used to.
If something is damaged in transit or lost, I fake a cheerful attitude while I deal with the issue, but a cheerful attitude takes effort to fake.
Free returns is even worse, so don't do it.
soh.maryl
·2 months agoSince I haven't been a seller for many years, I'm probably not qualified to respond to your question and, never fear, someone will point that out, but, I have to ask: Do you realize that "no returns" means nothing if a buyer opens an item not as described case?
powell-collectibles
·2 months agoNo comment 🙂