Why did eBay automatically accept a return for me?

[shaocaholica]

I recently sold some camera gear and while I've sold many items on eBay before I've never had to deal with a return.  My listing was set to 'returns accepted - 14days, buyer pays shipping'.  However I was never notified of a return request only that the return was already underway.  The buyer tagged the return as 'defective' and I was given no opportunity to respond.  I contacted the buyer after the return had already started and determined that the buyer just simply did not like the item and wanted a return.  While annoying I'm fine with that but I want to be in control.  Is the only way to not have eBay automatically accept returns to set my listings to 'no returns accepted'?

[glyph01]

In some cases, your response options may differ. For example, you may have opted to automatically accept return requests.

[shaocaholica]

Thanks.  Didn't know those options existed.  However looking at mine nothing is turned on for automatically accepting returns.

[glyph01]

In that case, opt to turn on the RMA feature at the bottom of that same Returns preferences page. That forces Ebay to contact the seller BEFORE they can issue a label because they need that RMA number first. Gives ya a little time to see what is up and try to work out something with the buyer.

[glyph01 · Accepted solution]

If you didn’t have those setting on, the auto accept is because the return was either for a NAD reason or a free return. And you said the buyer claimed item “defective” and that is a NAD reason. To remedy that, turn on RMA option so every return gets reviewed by you to get RMA number.

[shaocaholica]

Thanks again I would have never found that on my own.....that quickly.

[soh.maryl]

Are you aware of eBay's Money Back Guarantee for buyers?

Basically, it states that, if a buyer opens an item not as described case, the seller is required to send that buyer a prepaid return label and to refund in full upon receipt of the returned item.  There is no eBay requirement that the NAD claim be proven.  

Just pointing out that your "buyer pays shipping" stance means nothing if/when a buyer opens an NAD case.

[lakefor94]

@shaocaholica 

If it is a INAD return reason and you have the RMA switched on, you get to choose what return label is sent. The default without the RMA return switch on is eBay providing a USPS label than can be quite pricey if the item is larger than 2 or 3 lb. I like the option of sending my own UPS Ground label for those type of returns. 

Also remember that the eBay MBG provides the buyer 30 days to return an item which overrides your 14-day return window.

Good luck.

[shaocaholica]

Wait So buyers can return items within 30 days no matter the reason?  Even if they simply change their mind?  Even if the item is sold as-is?

[shaocaholica]

For ‘change of mind’ returns are sellers allowed to charge a modest restocking fee?  I’m not selling clothes or shoes but electronics. 

[mtgraves7984]

Restocking fees are no longer allowed.

[ms.rodriguez*]

There is no such thing as " as is" on ebay.  IT does not matter what you state in the listing, the ebay MBG overrides everything.  IN NY, underwear is NOT returnable unless it's still sealed in the package. On ebay, it is always returnable even if the package has been opened.   All a buyer has to do is open an item not as described case  and they get a free return and a full refund.  Many abuse the system.  But many sellers also lie about their products.   Accept the return, you have no choice.  Do NOT refund until you get it back. Inspect it and if there is an issue, come back here. You will still have to eventually refund but if the buyer sent you a rock, you can at least get a chance to report them and someone here can tell you how to do that.  Ebay will still believe the buyer no matter how long you have been here or how many feedbacks you have.

[lakefor94]

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@shaocaholica wrote:

Wait So buyers can return items within 30 days no matter the reason?  Even if they simply change their mind?  Even if the item is sold as-is?

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@shaocaholica 

I said INAD reason for the return. If it is INAD (Item Not As Described type reason) the seller will be refunding the buyer and paying return shipping if the seller wants the item back before refunding. INAD can be filed within 30 days of delivery date.

Since you have 14 day returns, after the 14 days, you can deny the return if it is a "Remorse Reason" for the return. 

No Restocking fee allowed and as-is is not a term eBay recognizes. 

[jgrit]

It’s not you. It’s us.

[albertabrightalberta]

@shaocaholica 

If you keep in mind that as a seller with a return policy, there's nothing to "discuss" with the buyer who wants a remorse return. Buyers can return an item for any reason or for no reason. Therefore, having the request accepted automatically is a timesaver for both you and the buyer. 

Having a return policy also means that a statement such as the following would be in direct conflict with your return policy and isn't allowed. Again, items can be returned for ANY reason.

You should remove this from your listings:
"Disclaimer: Please note that issues/bugs with the standard factory software/firmware and third party compatibility are not to be considered for returns."