Returns being automatically approved

[jaxjoy]

...and I don't have automated returns turned on in my account. This is the first time this has happened. Ebay approved a return for clothing that didn't fit. I didn't get to approve it like I normally do. Is this a new glitch??

[shopheroic]

We just noticed the same thing this morning too. Hoping to find a page/email/notification from eBay where they warned us they are squeezing out even more of what little power we have left over our own money?

[labs118 · Accepted solution]

If you offer returns and it is a buyers remorse , anything a buyer pays return shipping for then yes they will now do automatic . 
Per Fall 2017 Sellers update

http://pages.ebay.com/seller-center/seller-updates/2017-fall/returns.html

[jaxjoy]

Thank you. I must have missed that part.

[vssoutlet]

Automating returns is a mistake. Why? Because it takes communication between buyer and seller out of the transaction. The result is dissatisfaction for both buyer and seller.

How could a buyer be dissatisfied with automatically receiving a return shipping label?

I sell items that can be complicated to use, authenticate or understand. Some of my vintage cameras, for example, have quirks that are part of the design. A buyer may become frustrated with the item and initiate a return or they might believe that it doesn't work. For an example of this, search for "Kodak Medallist Shutter Not Firing" and you'll see what I mean.

I have no problem with a buyer opening a return as long as the processing isn't automated.  It gives me an opportunity to provide assistance and general customer service. In the cases where an item is damaged in some way, I can ask the customer if they want a partial refund rather than return the item. Some customers would prefer this option if offered.

I urge eBay to reconsider automated returns.

[knoxsellers]

This topic unfortunately is true for buyers remorse returns, 
eBay Concierges and Senior Leadership, this is lunatic. Why not allow the seller to perform their communication prior which is imperative in consumer electronics in verifying the buyer has 1st removed their personal information to avoid an altered device being returned? For example one of the top selling products on the site Apple. If a buyer is not reminded, as we do, prior to returning a iPhone, Apple Watch, or iPod Touchh for example to remove their personal information, the devce will likley be returned with an iCloud account and thus ACTIVATION LOCK rendering it uslesss! Consumer electronics must be exempted. This can be true for any number of electronics where the buyer has to remove their passwords and other personal information. This policy is going to multiply faulty returns by eliminating commuication prior to approval!