Question on return shipping

[1raredeal]

I was wondering how I can see what a return label costs?

I sold a large item and they claimed it not as described(which was already **bleep**).  Anyhow I obviously shipped UPS and now I see they are returning it USPS.  Am I gonna get totally screwed on shipping cost, how can they even be given that option when I shipped it UPS? 

TIA

[68barbie]

Unfortunately, yes, you will. eBay is only able to send a USPS First-Class Return label even if you used FedEx or UPS for the outbound shipping. I sold a low-value, high-shipping item last year that cost $24 through FedEx to ship. The buyer opened a return and a a shipping label was auto-generated. The USPS First Class return label cost me $58!! Up to that point it had been my understanding that your return label would never cost more than the outbound label. If I had known this I would've refunded in full without requiring a return. Lesson learned!

-C

[1raredeal]

have a feeling mine is gonna be $100....even though original shipping was $40!!

in the future can I see my own label via ups and force them to use ups?

[68barbie]

I wondered if not auto-accepting returns might help that? Since they would have to get an RMA (return authorization) from you it would give you the opportunity to open a dialogue and send a UPS label. More knowledgeable folks can jump in here and confirm/deny this as a possible solution. 

My solution is to NOT ship bigger items unless the profit is enough to easily absorb a return shipping cost. I've tried to counsel my consigners against listing larger items on eBay but they rarely listen. 

-C

[house*of*paws]

Hi @1raredeal 

Amazon uses only UPS for their returns ... and eBay uses only USPS.  That's just how it is.  

I know that eBay buyers are given the option of purchasing their own shipping label to return an item ... and must pay out of pocket for postage if they do ... but I don't believe that sellers can send a different shipping label if a case has been opened.  [USPS is the more convenient option for most buyers.]

I'm sorry I can't tell you how you can know in advance what the return shipping will cost.  [It seems like that would be important in deciding whether to refund without requesting a return.]