Why do buyers get over 3 weeks to return an item

[diamondsells]

This is me "venting"...

I sold an item that was received on 12/13. Buyer waited til 1/6 to open a "changed mind" return case (that's ok because I have a 30 day return policy).  I immediately accepted and a return label was issued on 1/6. However, the buyer has until February 1 to return the package. That is 26 days from the start of the return. All they had to do was put the label on the package and give to any mail carrier or drop at a postal station. This is eBay giving the advantage to buyers and not considering how unfair it is to sellers who could have re-listed the item.  As of today 1/22 the package has NOT been shipped.  Thanks for reading!

[stainlessenginecovers]

No good reason 'why' but it started 3/2020 when Covid hit. People needed 'more time' to get to the post office (in case they were sick? or??) or people are busy working etc. and just 'need more time' according to the powers that be. 

[mtgraves7984]

I'm with you... the current 'Forever + 1 Day' return window does seem a bit much. Upward and onward and all...

[simba6]

Because other sites give that long.  Gotta keep em happy.

[diamondsells · Accepted solution]

Yeah, I guess we gotta keep em happy and coming back!

[ma-647837]

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@diamondsells wrote:

I immediately accepted and a return label was issued on 1/6.

However, the buyer has until February 1 to return the package. That is 26 days from the start of the return. 

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It has nothing to do with the pandemic, @diamondsells.

Buyers already had 15 business days to return an item in the 2020 Spring Seller Update, and it's still the same today.

[treatr86]

I completely agree! It is not fair to good sellers to keep funds on hold for such a long time due to the buyer dragging it out!  About the returning buyer part you better bet I'll block them because I wouldn't want an issue like that again! 

[americanresalecompany]

I had a buyer wait until the last day to open a return on a Diamond ring as "No longer needed" (Fine) then wait until the last day to print the label. Wore it for 2 months as ring showed wear and tear and on to the next. Vent over Lol