What is the best return policy?

[reedmore]

I gather that free returns and shipping is the way to go?  Looking for the best seller protection.  Yes, I know returns are part of the fun on Ebay and I have no problem with that.  Just tired of being held hostage by the return policy and even abused by some buyers who know how to game the system.  Quit selling a few times before it got so bad.  Mostly selling items of little value now, easy enough to just refund and be done with it.

[mybigsale]

@reedmore 

I gather that free returns and shipping is the way to go?

I do not offer free shipping for most of my items. Appears like many buyers believe it is actually free shipping (and not built into the item price).  My $22.00 item with $8.00 shipping sells better than the same item at $30.00 free shipping.  If I price at $22 or $27 with free shipping it may sell a little better... but then I am not covering the true shipping cost. Free shipping may work for some, especially if all your competitors offer free shipping.

I do offer Free returns. With eBays Money back guarantee, I figure any buyer can get Free returns by claiming item not as described.  That being said, I only have 0-2 returns per year... so far, no returns this year.

Recommendation:

Try free shipping for some of your similar items. Does it result in more sales with similar profit? If so, go to free shipping.

Try free returns, do your buyers think they joined a book club where they have 30 days to read a book before returning it? If yes, don't offer free returns.

[mybigsale]

@reedmore 

 Just tired of being held hostage by the return policy and even abused by some buyers who know how to game the system. 

Also, by offering free returns you can deduct up to 50% if an item is returned in a different condition, then the buyer received. If you are a top-rated seller, listings with free returns will also display the Top Rated Plus icon.

[chevymontecarlo88]

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@mybigsale wrote:

@reedmore 

 Just tired of being held hostage by the return policy and even abused by some buyers who know how to game the system. 

Also, by offering free returns you can deduct up to 50% if an item is returned in a different condition, then the buyer received. If you are a top-rated seller, listings with free returns will also display the Top Rated Plus icon.

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☝️This

If i had an issue with returns, i would be adopting free returns as mybigsale has posted.

-Good Luck

[monster-deals]

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@reedmore wrote:

I gather that free returns and shipping is the way to go?  

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All INAD cases are "free returns'.