Required returns for autoparts
Recently eBay has required sellers to take returns for auto parts.
There needs to be some exceptions.
No legitimate parts store is going to take a return on electrical parts, gaskets, wear items (ie belts, hoses, thermostats, tires, brake pads/shoes, etc) and I feel it's wrong for eBay to require sellers to accept returns on those type of parts.
What's to stop a buyer from misdiagnosing a problem, buying a part, installing the part, having it not fix the issue and then return the part? This is especially problematic for electrical parts that may be exposed to short circuits and potentially damaging the part.
There are some parts that become a hazmat situation to return. For example, if a buyer buys a fuel system part, installs it, doesn't fix their problem, and decides to return it. That part has now been exposed to fuel, and has become a hazmat shipping issue.
eBay really needs to look at the industry standard and adopt those polices for returns.
bonanza125
·11 months ago@seymoredaily
"If a retailer chooses to accept a part on returns, that is the retailers decision. Most of the big box auto parts retailers (Autozone, O'Reilly, Advance, etc.) can and do, but they are big enough to absorb the cost. "
This comment right here is standard to Ebay. Ebay allows buyers a 30 day return. Ebay expect you as the seller to absorb that cost not the buyer as long as its within 30 days.
"You still haven't addressed the Hazmat issue that arises when returning (now) used and installed parts."
Ok, I kind of did address this indirectly. Ebay allows buyers to return items regardless if the item doesn't fit, doesn't work defective part, or no longer need. If a buyer files a "Item not as described" case you as the seller are force to accept that return. "As-Is" no returns/no refunds does not apply. If you reject the claim and its within 30 days Ebay can side with the buyer and refund the money to them without them having to send back the part. You are considered the expert not Ebay. Ebay will side with the buyer. My example of hot tub parts and automotive parts when it comes to returns are identical when it comes to Ebay's return policy.
bonanza125
·11 months ago"No legitimate parts store is going to take a return on electrical parts, gaskets, wear items (ie belts, hoses, thermostats, tires, brake pads/shoes, etc) and I feel it's wrong for eBay to require sellers to accept returns on those type of parts."
This comment is actually not true. All legitimate parts stores accepts returns and has money back guarantees. Smaller businesses may not accept returns.
"What's to stop a buyer from misdiagnosing a problem, buying a part, installing the part, having it not fix the issue and then return the part? This is especially problematic for electrical parts that may be exposed to short circuits and potentially damaging the part. "
Nothing stops a buyer from that. Ebay gives a 30 day money back guarantee. So if something is wrong the buyer is allowed to return the part to you. My advice to you is that if there is a part you feel should be sold "as-is" no returns then do not list that part on Ebay. I deal in hot tub parts myself. If a buyer purchases the part and it doesn't fit, work, or no longer need then they are allowed to return it. I understand this before listing the item. There are items that I have that I will not list because of the return policy. So that's the way you will have to handle this.
"eBay really needs to look at the industry standard and adopt those polices for returns."
Ebay does look at industry standards. Buyers are allowed to return items. Maybe some small mom and pop store locally may not but larger companies do accept returns.
seymoredaily
OP11 months agoI've been in the automotive parts industry for 35 years. Both at the manufacturing and retail levels.
There absolutely is an industry standard to not accept electrical or electronic parts as returns. It is also a standard to not accept installed parts as returns either.
If a retailer chooses to accept a part on returns, that is the retailers decision. Most of the big box auto parts retailers (Autozone, O'Reilly, Advance, etc.) can and do, but they are big enough to absorb the cost. They also have unskilled parts countermen working for them and the problem may well have originated at their counter. Stores that reputable repair shops use (Napa, Parts Plus, etc.) have a very strict no return policy.
You still haven't addressed the Hazmat issue that arises when returning (now) used and installed parts.
Selling hot tub parts isn't the same as selling automotive parts and there is no proof that eBay is following that standard.
simba6
·11 months agoThe issue here is the buyer can't see it in person like they do at an autoparts store. I do understand the problem with such returns.