Stop making us accept returns
Summary: lonesometriz shared frustration with eBay's return policy, citing an increase in return requests despite clearly marking items as non-returnable. Other participants explained that due to consumer protection laws, eBay must offer return options, especially when transactions involve credit cards. Some advised using other platforms or building a personal e-commerce website to gain more control over return policies. The discussion highlighted the challenges sellers face with refund requirements and buyer manipulation of "Item Not As Described" claims, illustrating a broader issue of balancing buyer confidence and seller protection.
ebay has to stop trying to force us to accept returns. I have been selling on ebay for over 20 years. The return requests are getting out of hand. I make it clear in my postings I do not accept returns. Yet ebay, over rides my own policy with theirs. Even when the buyer submits a return request, we do not have the option to deny it. Only a refund or partial refund. If I sell something I have clearly marked and non working, a core, for parts only and so on, it goes without saying it is a non returnable item. However, I make it clear anyway. If I am selling parts, I include the part number and make it clear in the posting it is up to the buyer to confirm fitment for their application. If it doers not fit, it is the buyer's fault, not mine. I have seen a uptick in return requests even with everything I just mentioned clearly stated in the postings. I am sick of these people trying to return non returnable items and ebay enabling them. I do not want to even sell on ebay anymore.
mam98031
·1 week agoEbay's site, Ebay's rules. It really is as simple as that. We all agreed to the User Agreement in order to set up a selling account on the site. You have to abide by those rules just like every other seller has to. Certainly some of the rules can be hard to adhere to and I know I certainly have my complaints about some of them. But we must comply nonetheless if you want to remain selling here. We have options as a seller:
The return policies options are as follows.
1. No Returns
2. 30 day returns w/ buyer pays shipping
3. 60 day returns w/ buyer pays shipping
4. 30 day returns w/ seller pays shipping, AKA Free Returns
5. 60 day returns w/ seller pays shipping. AKA Free Returns
6. 14 Day returns in certain categories
With option number 1, No Returns the seller can completely deny taking a return for a Buyer's Remorse Return Request, if the buyer properly filed the claim. Or if they want to they can accept the return and have the buyer pay the return shipping. If the seller so chooses they can withhold the original shipping if it was separately stated on the listing [not free shipping] when it is time to refund the buyer.
On options 2 & 3 the buyer is responsible for the return shipping on a Buyer's Remorse Return. Plus if the seller so chooses they can withhold the original shipping if it was separately stated on the listing [not free shipping] when it is time to refund the buyer. As of October 1st 2019, sellers that are TRS have some additional protections as well as they can issue partial refunds if they options 2 or 3 as their return policy.
On options 4 & 5 above, they are also known as Free Returns. If a seller that has either of those policies they will pay the return shipping even on a buyer's remorse return. A seller can withhold the original shipping value from the refund if the shipping was separately stated in the listing [not free shipping]. Also Seller’s offering options 4 or 5 have the ability to do partial refunds in certain cases if the item arrives back damaged, missing something or in a condition less than what it was sent to the buyer in, see the policy for more details, the link is below. In the cases where a deduction in the refund is taken due to damage or other authorized reasons for a partial refund, Ebay will protect the seller from negative or neutral feedback.
ALL OPTIONS [1, 2, 3, 4 and 5] are required to process SNAD claims without exception. Even if they are improperly filed and should have been a Buyer’s Remorse claim.
All return policies by sellers must meet or exceed what is stated in the Money Back Guarantee Policy!
14 day return policies are allowed in certain categories: Camera Drones, Camera lenses, Collectibles & Art, Digital Cameras, Jewelry and Medical & Mobility.
For those with Free Return and/or TRS members with 30 day return policies, there are some added protection benefits, one of which is the ability to do a discounted refund under certain conditions.
nigel_paul_wright7557
·1 week agoA sale on ebay isnt a private sale and is covered by distance selling regulations and laws. One of the rules is a buyer can send back an item for any reason if they so wish.
Its because buying at a distance means you cant use them item to see if its ok until you receive it.
It could be damaged before sent or could get damaged in the post.
A sellers rules are irrelevant due to laws over riding them.
bashort
·1 week agoso lets say a seller lists a gaming console for parts or repair and the buyer receives a empty case with nothing inside and that was not disclosed.
You make it where items like that can not be returned and it will absolutely destroy the market for such items.
tenoem
·1 week agoLet say a buyer is working on his car under a shady tree. He has no idea what he is doing, and wants to know why his car isn't running right, so.
A. He orders a $1500 Mass airflow sensor and installs it, it doenst' fix the problem, so he returns it. Seller has to pay shipping both ways and is now out 1500 since it can't be sold again.
B. Now he orders a $500 upstream oxygen sensor, installs it, doesn't fix the problem. REturns it, seller pays shipping both ways and loses $500
C. Now mr shade tree orders a PCM/ECM, it has to be the computer, for $3000, tries to install it, can't program it, returns it, seller pays for shipping and is out $3000.
The same buyer can do this 6,000,000 times, and ebay will do nothing but encourage it further.
shire123
·1 week ago · EditedRather an extreme example but still true. Those are the ebay rules and we have to either follow them or go elsewhere. If the example is going to happen why in the world would you sell on ebay with that kind of risk?
While I get your point, ebay will not change their rules until it starts hurting their bottom line. And as things are going presently ebay is nowhere near that.
dolcetreasures
·1 week agoI’m dealing with a return from a few months back with unscrupulous buyer who returned a pair of used sneakers claiming they were counterfeit because her feet hurt. When I received the sneakers back I took the 50% deduction(eBay still keeps all the original fees). Few weeks later buyer opens up a chargeback which pulls the other half I was supposed to be able to retain out of my account. Nevermind the fact that comparative counterfeits don’t exist anywhere on the internet, I uploaded the receipt and bank statement. I called eBay and they told me they are helpless when the bank gets involved. I asked them what’s the point of me being able to deduct the 50% if the buyer can just bypass the eBay format(where the buyer could have gotten the other 50% back from eBay)?
lonesometriz
OP1 week agoExactly.
bashort
·1 week agoI agree, these type items are no longer feasible to sell on ebay
shado-x
·1 week agoLet's say the buyer sends back an empty case instead.
tobaccocardyahoo
·1 week agoItem not as described returns trump whatever policy you write in your listing.
Just as well, since they can readily become a "quality of merchandise" chargeback dispute. Which you will lose with similar results to an Ebay MBG INAD claim.
Not only can you not have a firm NO RETURNS policy under all conditions, Ebay cannot create one either.
If this is a problem, do not sell anything where payments are received by credit card or debit card.
lonesometriz
OP1 week agoHow do salvage yards get around this? I deal with many on a regular basis. They have no return policies and they accept credit cards. Some of them sell on line as well.
gurlcat
·1 week agoSince it's their own business, a salvage yard can do their own risk evaluation to make decisions like that. Our eBay stores are not truly our own businesses, much as we might like to think they are. Our sales are basically consignment, and eBay as the consignor gets to make the rules.
We can take or leave those rules, by selling or not selling here.
What you may not realize is just how many crappy, knuckle-headed, and yes SCAM sellers there are on eBay. You're just considering the good job you do, and feeling it's unfair when eBay puts its reputation above your profits. But they only have to do that because there are so many crappy sellers who could ruin the brand, they have to make zero tolerance policies, and we all pay the price sometimes.
tenoem
·1 week agoIf only ebay had the same "Zero tolerance" policy for execs harassing and threatening the life of people who complain about them they wouldn't have just lost a $56,000,000 lawsuit that we'll all have to pay for in raised fees right?
And lets stop acting like Sellers are the problem on ebay. Lets consult any advanced AI, grok, gemini, or chat GPT if ebay is unfair to buyers and sellers and tell me what they say?
And don't forget just salvage yards, here are a few other companies that do not allow returns on installed car parts, specifically modules and sensors:
Advance Auto
Autozone
Oreilys
Ford
General motors
Kia
Hyundai
Nissan
Mazda
Dodge
...Every other company in human history other than ebay.
Know why that is? Most auto parts stores and auto makers have their policies made by someone who could tell you the tire size of the car they drive, ebay has people who make policies that couldn't tell you what color the car is they drive..
soh.maryl
·1 week ago"Just lost?" Wasn't that case at least five years ago?
gurlcat
·1 week agoThere have been both criminal and civil cases. The $56M civil suit is 'BREAKING NEWS' -as in just today:
gurlcat
·1 week agoYup, that's exactly right. eBay is great for buyers who either want to pull a switcheroo scam or just not worry too much about whether they're buying exactly what they need, because if not, they can just return it. As I said, you can take or leave whether you want to sell parts here or not. -I sure wouldn't.
But it also protects buyers who know exactly what part they need, considering they could unknowingly buy from sellers who'll list that part all perfectly but then send a box of rocks. And that is EXACTLY what would happen a lot more often if sellers could have a literal 'No Returns' policy. It would be a scam seller's paradise!
Advance Auto (etc.) -they can have a No Returns policy because the buyer can open the box and look at the part at the counter. NO reliance on screen images, no box of rocks. It is that simple! How do you not get that???
Jeez what am I doing? -Trying to provide logic to someone who thinks its a slam dunk to quote dumb AI that harvests its "information" from social media rants. Good lord. 🤣
powell-collectibles
·1 week agoYep – that $56 million is a lot to pay out. Good news for eBay is that they must’ve been accruing for it already. Or a lot of it. This won’t impact income from ongoing operations – it’ll be a one time charge to clear things out. I really don’t expect it to have an impact on fees. At all.
gurlcat
·1 week agoYeah that's chump change for a corporation of this size. If anything the bigger harm will be the effect on buyers' choice of whether to shop elsewhere, but I don't think that will be enormous either.
tobaccocardyahoo
·1 week agoThe likelihood of an in-person buyer opening a quality of merchandise credit card dispute is extremely low compared to an online buyer.
Most people do not even know they can open one.
Even if they know, an in-person buyer at a salvage yard is more likely to accept the fact that they are expected to decide whether the part they purchase is likely to work, based on physical examination. Some salvage yards, can effectively use intimidation, in a way that an online marketplace would not allow, to enforce their policy.
lonesometriz
OP1 week agoI see your point
soh.maryl
·1 week agoEvery single selling entity can set their own requirements. eBay has theirs, your local salvage yard has theirs which may be different. eBay accepts credit cards. If/when anyone sells anything on eBay, the accept the terms imposed by eBay for sales on their site.
yng1998
·1 week agoI sell many items for parts or repair only. I state this usually three times throughout the listings. Most recently clocks and clock parts. I have not had a problem. I do accept returns but I have it set up that the buyer has to pay for return shipping which I think makes buyers take extra care. I take really detailed photos and am not very specific with details because I don't know how to repair these things myself. I include model numbers, names, perhaps minimal measurements or even photos of measurements. If you are having a real problem don't do free shipping and make your buyer pay return shipping especially if the item is heavy. They can try to say item is not as described but... it doesn't work? I told you it needed to be repaired. It doesn't fit? I have photos of the measurements. Pick a few of your problem listings and offer returns. See what happens.
lonesometriz
OP1 week agoI do thins in a similar way. I state several times in the ad no returns or refund. And I do not offer free shipping. I am dealing with one right now. It is a $1300 server. I sold it as a non working core for $80. 80... dollars. Made it very clear in the ad it is a core and for parts. Guess what the guy does when he gets it. I like your idea of having them pay shipping. i might try that next time.
yng1998
·1 week agoYou have to set it up as accept returns buyer pays return shipping. That way you get some seller protections. It has been awile since i disputed a claim though so who knows how easy it is anymore. If you don't already, put in the title - for repair or parts. Many people don't read the description very well, if at all, anymore.
soh.maryl
·1 week agoJust curious here: your message appears to imply that you're able to refuse buyers who open item not as described cases on eBay? Care to share how you do that?
yng1998
·1 week agoYou used to be able to reply to a return request. I can't refuse a return but I believe I can comment on the return being fraudulent, that the complaint describes what I described in the title and in the listing. You may be able to escalate the situation. If you are in good standing Ebay will pay if they accept the return.. which is better than me paying. But either way you aren't out return shipping. Sometimes you can just accept a return and if they have to pay to have it returned, sometimes they don't return it. I had that happen to me recently. Either way, it is much better to accept returns in general. This way you have recourse. If you don't accept returns the only way someone can return something is to say it is not as described which one has to fight. Depending on what you are selling you may not want to accept returns. Perhaps there are exceptions that Ebay allows. Also, I think there is such a thing as a restocking fee but I have never used it. If it is a real problem I would add that to my listing. You would get rid of the people who just want to test something out.
snoopwiz
·1 week agoThe suggestion to give preference to "experienced sellers" is flawed. Having been an active seller for 22 years, I have seen my share of what were once exemplary sellers, outstanding track records, literally crash and burn. Suddenly the negs come in hard and fast, dozens if not hundreds of buyers left holding the proverbial bag. No business "likes" returns but, those in this kind of business need to understand it is a necessary evil. Adjust your business model accordingly.
lonesometriz
OP1 week agoYou actually make a good point. I too have seen that. it is usually after some life changing incident or someone else took over the account. Either with or without consent. Either way, not good for the buyers.
mianoak
·1 week agoeBay favors buyers and not sellers
lonesometriz
OP1 week agoYep, I said that to an ebay rep today
jonathanbrightlight
·1 week agoWhy? They should favor buyers and not sellers, that's the only way you can have an online marketplace that doesn't fail.
powell-collectibles
·1 week ago · EditedThere is a balance – and eBay understands this. All of the online marketplace do. If and when eBay loses enough sellers or pricing become un competitive with other sites, the pendulum will swing. You do see on some other sites that they are doing a lot to get sellers to come on. Go to the vinted website and tell me that they aren’t pushing sellers– they need merchandise. They understand that if there isn’t a good selection and reasonable pricing that the buyers will check out the site and leave.
tobaccocardyahoo
·1 week ago"Go to the vinted website and tell me that they aren’t pushing sellers– they need merchandise."
Vinted has grabbed my attention, even though there is nothing I sell which can be sold there.
I wonder if there will be a Vinted 12 months from now, and how much it will differ from today's site if it still exists.
Their "buyer protection fee" is too small to fund much growth. And they will eventually burn through whatever funding the have, and need to generate enough cash flow and at least a good story on when they will turn a profit.
bashort
·1 week agoIts simple, no buyer confidence = no buyers.
lonesometriz
OP1 week agoIt is not that simple. if you are buying a shirt that says made in USA and you receive a shirt that is way too small and say made in UAS, then yes, you should be able to return it. If I am selling old parts labeled as core, for parts, non working and non returnable then no, you do not get to return it because it does not work.
gurlcat
·1 week ago · EditedBut you DO get to return it. Or at least you get to make the seller decide between accepting a return or just giving an immediate refund without getting the item back. All you have to do is click the right choice from the 'reason' menu, then type 'whatever' (literally anything, doesn't matter), and upload a photo of 'whatever.'
Here's an oldie but goodie.
kibble-net
·2 weeks agoYour gripe lies not with ebay, but with the credit card processors. This is not something ebay has much control over.
If having to offer refunds doesn't work for you, then Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace might be a better place to do business.
Wishing you success in whatever platform you choose to business on.
lonesometriz
OP2 weeks agoI am starting to post more on marketplace
reallynicestamps
·2 weeks agoReturns and refunds are different things.
Sellers never have to accept returns.
Sellers may have to send refunds,
nigel_paul_wright7557
·2 weeks agoIts not ebays policy to force returns its the distance selling regulations laws.
A sale on ebay isnt a private sale.
analog_adventure
·2 weeks agolist as parts and not working. and then list as no returns. you will make less sales and less money, but you'll deal with less refunds. or sell somewhere else. can't blame the platform. it's shady people. but the shade falls both ways. buyers AND sellers. price of doing business on ebay.
quadcitypickers
·2 weeks agoI truly wish eBay would allow sellers who have become established (lets say 3 years and $50k in sales or something) list things that are in parts/not working, and the buyer has to click "I agree" that this is "a final sale and not eligible for the eBay money back guarantee".
I've had several buyers buy something listed as "for parts" and then trying to force an INAD return because they could not fix it. I wish I was making that up.
lonesometriz
OP2 weeks agoThat makes sense. For those of us who have been here a while, we should not be treated like a scammer.
kibble-net
·2 weeks agoThis would be too easily abused. Also, the credit card processors wouldn't be too keen about it.
lonesometriz
OP2 weeks agoThat is the part I do not get. It sounds like I can buy something with my credit card then say, I do not want to pay for it.
soh.maryl
·1 week agoIf you make a purchase with your credit card, then state you don't want to pay for it, isn't that between you and your card issuer, not eBay?
storage_unit_liquidations
·2 weeks agoOh yeah . also wanted to say when they ask for a different card or a account for payment don't act like being flat broke or not having another card is even is not a real thing or an option to the situation . If my life was that well organized or well funded im pretty sure i wouldn't have to sell on eBay
storage_unit_liquidations
·2 weeks agoWell , You covered just about everything I wanted to say .So now all I have to write is "what They said" And thanks
broto_64
·2 weeks agoNo, ebay does not over ride your own policy with theirs.
Ebay policy comes first, and you may even just want to skip yours because it won't help.
lonesometriz
OP2 weeks agoWhich is the point behind this post.
gurlcat
·2 weeks agoWell there you go then. Just have Free Returns because buyers are going to get them anyway, but when it's "your idea" instead of them forcing it, you get more seller protections. You'll realize all this someday.
broto_64
·2 weeks agoBut you're still fighting, the solution lies in the surrender.
christworks
·2 weeks ago@lonesometriz
eBay's policies are very clear. No returns does not mean no refunds. They do not word it like that, but that's it in essence. You choose to have a no returns policy.
Your buyers can only open Item Not As Described returns. If they lie about the reason, you can report them. Do you do that? Reporting buyers who abuse the returns process protects you and if sellers like yourself would take a few minutes to report them, they will eventually be kicked off the platform.
You can build your own website as has been suggested. Good luck with that. Sure, it is easier now more than ever to build a site. But you will not be successful at all with the 35 items you are selling. For starters, how are you going to bring in the buyers? You have to first find them, then give them a reason to come to your website. Then you have to give them a reason to buy from you. Only an idiot would give you money without some sort of guarnatee they can return it, especailly when you have not built up any trust whatsoever.
There are well established sellers selling on their own website, including eBay. After a couple of years, some who have huge mouthpieces are still struggling and begging for people just to come to their site. They have a great work ethetic and will get there. They also have thousands of items and have made heavy investments in infrastructure to make it all work.
It would honestly be easier if you simply had a 30-day return policy. For items being sold as parts, eBay only gives buyers 3 days to open up an INAD. Many buyers still don't know that and are often late. BUT eBay will still allow them to open the return. You do not have to accept those, so make sure you are reading carefully on those items being sold as parts with no returns. I got bit because I didn't realize eBay still allowed a buyer to open a return past 3 days, and I accepted the return out of habit and then saw the small blurb from eBay that said I did not have to accept the return.
Having your website does not prevent buyers from doing chargebacks that you will still have to deal with.
fabrics24
·2 weeks agoMight I recommend building your own website to sell items on? I have my own site I use on the side; that way nobody gets to tell me I have to accept refunds or returns.
lonesometriz
OP2 weeks agoI ma learning about that now. I have a warehouse I have to liquidate. Dealing with frivolous returns is not worth it.
bashort
·2 weeks agono one that sells online is exempt from a CC chargeback
lonesometriz
OP2 weeks agoThat is ridiculous. So much room for fraud in that case.
bolensparts-360
·2 weeks agoWe must have lost thousands over the years because of ebays insane policys on returns, Since opening here in 2013 we always have had NO RETURNS but if a buyer knows how to use ebay they can easily steal from the seller / commit fraud. We sell mower parts cant tell you how many times people have bought ignition coils and improperly install them fry them and then open a "defective" return request and we get to foot the bill for the return, the return shipping, lose on the initial shipping charged and then are stuck with a part we end up throwing away as you cant warantee a part a customer ruined !
lonesometriz
OP2 weeks agoYes, that is one of my points. I am not a parts store. Even the new parts I sell I am not returning it if the buyer bought the wrong part or misdiagnosed the problem.
pickapaper
·2 weeks ago@bolensparts-360 I see in those 13 years you have been on eBay that you have sold 61,000 items. That is impressive. Do you have a B&M store? Do you think you would have sold 61K items in 13 years at a B&M store? If you have a B&M store, you have to take returns, right? Are the losses you have taken over the years on eBay more than what those B&M costs (rent, utilities, taxes, insurance, etc.) would have been?
bolensparts-360
·1 week agoNo we are just all online currently , I have a website and thankfully that has overtaken the ebay sales years ago to where we can survive and actually make a living , its real slim margins in mower parts especially new parts and I'm lucky to pull a 3-10% margin after ebay takes their cut . With my site I can set NO returns and set a restocking fee on parts if they are returned. I can say most of all the headaches and bad customers we get all come from ebay its their policys that attract that kind of buyer sadly.
reallynicestamps
·2 weeks agoIf that is the norm- refund without requiring a return.
inhawaii
·2 weeks agoEbay does not "make you" accept returns ... but they do make you refund a buyer who files a INAD case.
lonesometriz
OP2 weeks agoGood point
tenoem
·2 weeks agoNo other website in human history has forced sellers to not only pay for shipping, but take returns on parts from Ford and General Motors who have it labeled right on the package "NO RETURNS IF PACKAGE IS OPEN"
If Ebay wants to allow buyers to open $800 OEM sensors, install them in their car, and then return it when that is against the policy of Ford, General Motors, Subaru, Mazda, Nissan, Autozone, Advance Auto, Pepboys, as well as any other car manufacturer or parts manufacturer, then Ebay should not allow OEM parts to be sold on their platform since they obviously do not know what an OEM part is, or what the policy of Ford or GM is.
lonesometriz
OP2 weeks agoI have seen that so many times when I worked the parts counter. The fact ebay allow sit is ridiculous.
gone.c-33
·2 weeks agoThey can write whatever they want on the packaging, but if a buyer pays with a credit card, the will be able to return for a refund or the store will have to refund without a return.
That verbiage is probably simply a deterrent but isn’t really enforceable.
reallynicestamps
·2 weeks agoYou are not required to accept returns.
You are required to make REFUNDS.
If a glass collector receives a box of shards they are allowed to demand a refund. The seller can either send return shipping, OR refund without demanding a return, and then go after the shipper for mishandling the fragile package.
Returns are possible.
Refunds are mandatory,
lonesometriz
OP2 weeks agoYou are correct. I misworded my statement.
luckythewinner
·2 weeks agoFrom the rest of your post, it sounds as if they are not "trying" but rather they are "succeeding".
lonesometriz
OP2 weeks agoYes, actually. I fight it every time though.
albertabrightalberta
·2 weeks ago"make it clear in the posting it is up to the buyer to confirm fitment for their application. If it doers not fit, it is the buyer's fault, not mine."
@lonesometriz
I looked at a couple of your listings of car parts. Both listings have statements in the listings claiming "It is the responsibility of the buyer to verify fitment." Presumably you have that statement to prevent the buyer from returning items.
However both listings have a 30 day free return policy. So you don't have the option of refusing the return if the buyer requests it. A return policy allows buyers to return items for ANY reason or for no reason.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/234836707819
https://www.ebay.com/itm/232599150382
lonesometriz
OP2 weeks agoThat is my point. I always click, "does not accept returns" When I have to call ebay, they acknowledge I have selected "does not accept returns". And yet, they ad that in there anyway.
bdmh-enterprises
·2 weeks agoNew auto parts require 30 day free returns.
Perhaps you should read the actual information and policies regarding the items you sell instead of blaming eBay when you find out the policies you've made up in your head don't apply here...
tenoem
·2 weeks agoYeah why shop at advance auto or autozone, I ban buy an $800 OEM mass airflow sensor off any ebay seller I want, install it under my shade tree as I chase my problems without a scan tool, and return the mass airflow sensor when it doesn't solve my problem. The seller has to pay for the shipping both ways, and cannot sell the mass airflow sensor again as they don't know what I did with it. Then I'll buy a $300 OEM oxygen sensor off another seller and install it, nope that didn't fix it, now it's time to buy a crankshaft position sensor off another seller. I love buying auto parts on ebay, i can screw anyone over I want to with impunity.
jonathanbrightlight
·2 weeks agoeBay wants buyers to shop on eBay and not at AutoZone, that's why.
lonesometriz
OP2 weeks agoI agree. But it is not ebay paying for it in the long run.
jonathanbrightlight
·2 weeks agoNo, it's not. And you have the choice of either dealing with it or finding another solution. Because while you can let eBay know you don't like it, you can't actually change it yourself, and I suspect it's unlikely they're going to revert the free returns change, especially since they're not really paying for it (they are covering some of the label cost in some cases, as I understand it, but I'm sure they're not losing a bunch of money or they would change it back).
tenoem
·2 weeks agoIf they wanted buyers to shop on Ebay and not on Autozone, they should.
A. Stop showing promoted listings above on top when a buyer selects lowest price first, that really gets a buyer happy when they select lowest price first but see a sponsored item that is 2x higher in cost, that is how you get return customers they love it.
B. Design a functional search engine that works.
C. Get rid of their awful fitment system that is constantly wrong.
D. Prevent Chinese sellers from creating 20 accounts to sell the same cheap sensor and flood the ebay listing page so a buyer doesn't see anything else.
Doing any one of the above 4 points would get more people to buy on ebay.
lonesometriz
OP2 weeks agoAgree 1000%
jonathanbrightlight
·2 weeks agoSure, but eliminating free returns isn't going to accomplish any of those or convince buyers to shop on eBay. I'm not arguing against other changes, just noting that the free returns isn't the problem.
lonesometriz
OP2 weeks agoExactly. I saw it many times when I worked the parts counter.
bonanza125
·2 weeks agoEbay gives the buyer a 30 day moneyback guarantee. There is nothing anybody here can say or do about it. If you disagree with the policy do not list your items especially items that do not work. Even that they still can return in 3 days. The thought of As-Is no returns doesn't exist. The buyer can and will return if they want/have to and there is nothing you can do about it. Stating this in your listing is pointless. It means nothing.
lonesometriz
OP2 weeks agoIn the real world, as is no returns does exist. You ever bought a project car before? The same should apply to internet sales. I sell a lot of literal, projects. It was successful for quite a while.
bonanza125
·2 weeks agoEbay operates as business not a private party or clearance sale. If I walk into a store there is a return policy on items. If the store has clearance then yes however I am able to check that item out in person. At a private sale the same applies checking it out in person. Ebay is a business online. Buyers can't check the item out in person. Sellers can deceive a buyer very easy with no way of returning or getting a refund. I will be up front with you "projects" I sell locally. I do not use Ebay for stuff being sold as "projects."
lonesometriz
OP2 weeks agoI understand it is a business and they are trying to do something about fraud. That is one reason I sell stuff so much cheaper than market value. I make it clear up front it shall not be retuned so it is up to the buyer to take the chance. If I sell something for 50 buck that brings $300 everywhere else, than it is a reasonable risk for the buyer. I am actually trying to clear out a warehouse. I have a large amount of stuff I have to start posting. But I do not want to deal with returns at that volume.
duffy4444
·2 weeks ago · EditedYou stated, "In the real world, as is no returns does exist". To a certain extent, that may be true...
But this is not the real world in that sense. It is eBay's world you willingly joined, and it's eBay's sandbox we all play in. We have to go by their rules, not make up or try to forcefully impose our own rules.
Cheers, Duffy
lonesometriz
OP2 weeks agoI do get that. However, I was around before they created and started enforcing their return policy. I did not "agree" to it. I get I essentially did by using ebay after it was implemented, but I hope you get the gist of what I mean. It is like moving into a nationhood with no HOA. Then one one created after you have taken up residence. And now you have to follow rule you never agreed to.
inhawaii
·2 weeks agoSo if I were to send you a box of rocks instead of a carburetor ... "no returns" ... you would be fine with that?
lonesometriz
OP2 weeks agoYou cannot be serious. Not even close to the same thing
glorybells
·2 weeks agoThat’s definitely serious.
Because it does happen.
lonesometriz
OP2 weeks agoI am sure it does. And that would be fraud. If I deliver a part as described, they buyer should be on the hook not me.
gurlcat
·2 weeks agoIf by "the real world" you mean brick and mortar businesses, how do you not get the difference there? I mean for the buyer -at a BAM business, they get to see the actual item with their own eyes, touch it, maybe even test it or try it on (as in clothing), etc. And then they get to leave the store with it in their hands.
You don't get any of that when you order something online. You just see the visual manifestation of 1's and 0's on a screen, you have to trust that the seller will send the actual thing you ordered, that it's everything they claim it is and in the same condition, and that the shipping carrier won't damage it on the way.
Do you have any idea how many scam sellers there are? Without a MBG policy, there would be even more scam sales, and eBay would be out of business in no time.
lonesometriz
OP2 weeks agoNot the same thing. If I am buying a core water pump for $150 less than a remanned unit knowing it is a core, then try to return it because it does not work, that would make me wrong. There are many reasons to buy something that is sold as a core, for parts or non working. It is not the same thing as buying a shirt that is too small.
glorybells
·2 weeks agoeBay treats all of the items the same for this. It’s an Equal Opportunity MBG. It applies the same across the board. Could be clothing, a blanket, car parts, Legos, whatever. All the same.
lonesometriz
OP2 weeks agoI understand. And that is my problem. Not all items are the same. And I understand, the difficulty in dealing with so many different items. However, it is their responsibility to do so. As long as ebay has been around, they should at least have an ever evolving system.
gone.c-33
·2 weeks agoThey are beholden to credit card policies. It doesn’t matter if you, or eBay, or autozone says they won’t take returns for purchases made online, if the buyer goes to their credit card for a chargeback, and prove you refused to take back the item, they WILL win.