Returns
This may be a stupid question because I think I already know the answer but has anyone took a hit to sales by not accepting returns? Ive sold on Ebay for over 22 years and have NEVER had the amount of STUPID reason returns as in the past couple years. I have set that buyer pays returns but still end up paying for them. Been thinking of not taking returns but my sales are already lower than ever so Im afraid to make them any worse. Can anyone offer an answer?
24 comments
jahood1984
·3 years agoI'm with the others, switching from no returns to free returns cut down returns drastically. Initially there was a small uptick but since then I really don't get many these days .
kcstreasureparadise2
OP3 years agoIve sold for 23 years and prob had 2-3 returns in the entire first 20 years. Then when Covid hit, people went crazy and started wanting to return for stupid reasons. Been like that since.
femmefan1946
·3 years agoIf the buyer opens a Not As Described case, you will still be paying for returns, even with a No Returns policy.
The only times you would not pay for the return would be of you agree to abandon the item and pay out the refund or if the buyer admits/eBay decides this is a Buyer Remorse claim.
With the latter, the buyer pays return shipping before you refund.
No returns does not mean No Refunds.
It's impossible to prove a negative, but many customers, seeing a No Returns policy, will think they cannot get refunded by an uncooperative seller,and just move on.
Is your Failed Transactions rate more or less than one percent of sales? Are you getting your product back in saleable condition?
I notice about 10% of your listings are the unpopular Auctions format. Are most of your problems with Unpaid auctions?
Do you have an automatic Block on bidders with Unpaid Item strikes?
pennysdream
·3 years agoquestion... Because of eBays satisfaction policy. Isn't everyone offering free returns, even if they are not part of their policies?
frodobagginskennedy
·3 years agowith your low priced listings I would just refund without return. it might be better financially for you.
inhawaii
·3 years agoI don't take returns.
It's just a choice I made.
I think i'm in the minority.
Most sellers here do accept returns and recommend it to others.
CONS:
A) I may lose a few customers that are weary of buying from a "no returns" seller.
B) I may occasionally get a buyer that will lie about a return and say it's "not as described" just to be able to return it.
PROS:
A) I think having a "no returns" policy makes some buyers stop and think, do I really want this, before buying.
B) I don't have to pay for return shipping when customer wants to return something because of remorse.
C) On listings with "no returns" ebay makes it pretty clear to the customer that you may still return the item if the item is not as described.
You do what you feel is right for you.
Good luck!
frodobagginskennedy
·3 years agoNo returns does not exist. the e bay money back guarantee trumps anything you have in your "rules". So basically with your no returns in your listings makes people make up stupid stuff in order to get a return from the guarantee. IF you stop the no return crap you MAY get some honest people that say doesn't fit or does not like and then they will pay return shipping.
Your no return stance is only hurting you.
kcstreasureparadise2
OP3 years agoI take returns now...just getting tired of paying for return labels for stupid excuses. I even have set that buyer pays returns yet I still get stuck paying just "because I didnt like it or changed mind"
mtgraves7984
·3 years agoI even have set that buyer pays returns yet I still get stuck paying just "because I didnt like it or changed mind"
@kcstreasureparadise2
Then you're doing something wrong. On remorse Returns, you can deduct the s&h from the refund before you submit.
kcstreasureparadise2
OP3 years agoI wish I knew what. Ebay always auto approves the returns also and I didnt think that was right. I have started taking the shipping off of the returns tho then they complain to ebay to get the rest back. With ebays policy...they allow people to do this crap and make up excuses.
mtgraves7984
·3 years agoI offer 30-Day (buyer pays) Returns, and I've only had a couple of remorse Returns in the past couple of years. I had no problem deducting s&h from those.
kcstreasureparadise2
OP3 years agoThats what I do too but ebay is always allowing prepaid labels. I dont understand why! I just had one that she "just didnt like" and they gave her a free label. WHY?
kcstreasureparadise2
OP3 years agoI also never get a say in if i will take the return or not...ebay auto approves every time!
buyselljack2016
·3 years agoI just had a "changed mind".
Auto approved. (that is how it works when you offer "returns". ) To stop the auto approve, set up the requirement for an RMA #. That will allow you to choose to just refund, if desired, or approve the return
Buyer paid for label.
I played the "no returns" game for over 20 years with the idea that buyers would take time to look to be sure of what they were buying. I don't get a lot of return requests. 90 + % of the time it was buyer error.
Since switching to "returns accepted" I have recently had 4-5 remorse, buyer paid for shipping in each direction.
mtgraves7984
·3 years ago@kcstreasureparadise2
I have mine set up as @buyselljack2016 does. Go to Account Settings/Selling/Selling Preferences. When the page prefills, go to All listings and orders/Return preferences, tick 'Edit'. When the next page prefills, tick the box beside 'RMA number'... you want it ON.
kcstreasureparadise2
OP3 years agoBut you would still be paying the return shipping. If someone "just didnt like" then I feel that I should not have to cover any shipping fees...esp when my listings clearly state buyer pays returns. People are getting smart with dumb excuses lately too. Had one person say she was allergic to the package...how is that my fault? Ebay gave her all her money back!
mtgraves7984
·3 years ago@kcstreasureparadise2
Late back to this party... sorry! No, on remorse returns you won't have to pay for the return shipping label, either. All you'll be responsible for is a refund of the item and sales tax, of course. My 30-Days (Buyer pays) Returns means just that... I've never been charged for return shipping for remorse Returns.
ETA: "Allergic to packaging"... dang. That buyer should never buy online, in my opinion. 🙄
kcstreasureparadise2
OP3 years agoI totally agree...if you are that allergic, you shouldnt be ordering online!
varebelrose
·3 years agoSure it does, any seller can choose to not accept returns.
"No refunds", however, is a different matter.
kcstreasureparadise2
OP3 years agoIm not sure what you mean?? Returns requires refunds. Oooppsss...just realized that wasnt in answer to my comment 🙂