No returns...return requested...Ebay response

[ibo_mike]

I am new to Ebay selling. So far, after 6 items sold, all is good. I recently sold my 7th item and that is when the confusion started.

I listed the item for $45 with free shipping. Offer for $40 was accepted. Item was delivered. Buyer then submits a return request stating it doesn't work. I have 'No returns' selected on my items, but apparently that means nothing since a buyer can still request this.  So the fees and shipping come to about $14, netting me about $26.

Assuming I accept the return, I then would have to pay another $8-$10 in shipping and refund the buyers $40. So I contact Ebay and they offer to refund the buyer 'on them' without return of the item. Now, I am OK with keeping my net proceeds and letting the buyer get one over on Ebay, but this whole thing just seems really odd and reeks of scammability. If Ebay provides a refund and allows for the buyer to keep items they claim are not working, what's to stop buyers from doing this with items that are perfectly fine.

I took Ebay up on their offer and am waiting for this to play out, but I would like to hear from others what your thoughts are. Perhaps Ebay knows they make enough money off of resellers that an $40 refund is no big deal. I can understand that. And perhaps Ebay was offering that to me as a new seller so I am not scared away from selling. Again, OK. But what happens if this becomes an ongoing issue? I was prepared to take the loss on this item just to see how it played out. However, I have an item off my shelves, no loss to my net proceeds, and the buyer makes out (maybe too much). Win-win-win?

I look forward to feedback. Thanks.

[stainlessenginecovers]

No Returns does NOT mean No Refunds. If a Return Case is opened using the reason of 'not as described' or 'not working' etc. you do NOT have the choice to 'accept'- it's automatically accepted for you. 

All buyers have a 30 day Money Back Guarantee. 'No Returns' simply means you can 'deny' a return if it is for a REMORSE REASON ONLY and NOT for a NOT AS DESCRIBED (not working etc.). When that type of 'return case' is opened, the seller HAS TO PAY for the shipping return if the seller wants the item back- or the seller can choose to just 'refund' if it's not worth the $ to pay to ship it back and then resell. 

If you sold something 'used' then it's assumed it works. If it now doesn't work, then you have to refund. 

[ms.rodriguez*]

I am here laughing at the statement that ebay is going to cover the refund.  I doubt that this is true.  Either they lied or your misunderstood. It's not the first time that I hear that a Ebay employee lied to someone just to get them off the phone.  Anyway, like the others stated, no returns does not mean that. Virtually everything is returnable.  Maybe the item stopped working.  Maybe the buyer broke it. Maybe the item still works and the buyer no longer wants it.  Maybe they found it cheaper elsewhere. Once a claim of item NOT as described is opened, the seller has no choice but to refund.  Did the buyer open a case?  You have 3 days to refund. If ebay steps in , they will refund the buyer  and CHARGE you and you get a DEFECT.    I have been reading these boards and I have never heard of a case where Ebay told the seller that they will refund the seller out of their own pocket.  I am sure that you misunderstood. If ebay refunds, it will be out of their own pocket (funds) but immediately they will pull the entire amount from your pending funds or your bank account.  Ebay is NOT going to pay for this.   

Remember, with a few defects, sellers get suspended.

[ibo_mike]

Just received an email from EBay with the following text:

We reviewed the case and have decided to issue the buyer a refund of US $40.00 without any impact to you.

I will be keeping an eye on what happens in the near future.

[buyselljack2016]

You are truly among the chosen.

Look at it as a "one time pass".

Very unlikely that it will happen again.

Other posters have explained how it usually works out. Expect that to be the process in the future.

[vintagecraze50]

You have just lost your item and probably will lose your money. Do not use no returns on here. Buyers can return anything they want for as long as they want. There is also a thing called a credit card. When a credit card is used they can go back and chargeback items for sometimes over 180 days depending on the CC companies policies. Always accept the return to get your item back.

[soh.maryl]

One of the very first things any seller should read before beginning to sell on eBay is the Money Back Guarantee.

All a buyer needs to do is open an item not as described case and the seller will be required to send him a prepaid return label and to refund in full when the item is received back.

It does not matter if the claim is bogus -- that's the MBG, the one I stated everyone should read.

Sorry you skipped that.  

[ibo_mike]

I’m sorry I missed it too. I’m sure it was prominently presented before creating my seller account. LOL. That was humor. It may very well have been and I missed it. 

There is a bit of illogic when you can select ‘no returns’ but be forced to accept returns. I’d much prefer that they force you to select a return option. I guess I avoided the bullet this time. I will certainly keep this in mind as I move forward. 

[bonjourami]

No returns simply means you wont be forced to accept a remorse return. Doesnt fit, dont like it, changed my mind, etc. But you will always be forced to accept not as described returns.

[12345jamesstamps]

You should have made the buyer return the item. During the holidays would buyer like to wait in line to return item during the Christmas rush...probably not. Does buyer know anything about shipping like us sellers? Does buyer have tape to repackage item? Did they still have the box or whatever it came in? And it's still possible eBay can take that refund back from you. eBay usually doesn't do a refund on them. It's a first time I heard that. I have been refunded a few times only for it to be taken away a week later after case is closed in my favor.

Some buyers who see "no returns" and high shipping such as yours might and I say might think you will let them keep item rather than pay the high return shipping.