Are all returns now automatically approved?

[vintageista]

I do not offer FREE RETURNS, I do not have my preferences set for AUTOMATIC RETURNS but eBay keeps approving returns anyway. Is this a new ruling I missed out on? Cannot find where it states that is so. Does anyone know the rules about this?

[dinpavent0]

I believe if the item is item not as described or if they claim item not received, ebay approves it automatically no matter what your return policy is. Ebay will always force a return for that case. If you accepts 30 or 60 day returns, no matter what the reason, you have already approved it by accepting returns in general.

[wheredidiputthatremote]

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@vintageista wrote:

I do not offer FREE RETURNS, I do not have my preferences set for AUTOMATIC RETURNS but eBay keeps approving returns anyway. Is this a new ruling I missed out on? Cannot find where it states that is so. Does anyone know the rules about this?

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Inads yes. They are now automatically approved.

[seller*by*day]

Returns are only automatically approved if you have a return policy. I make it a point to read every seller update as soon as they come out. This change was announced in the Summer 2018 UpdateSummer 2018 Seller Update-Simplified Returns

In the fall fof 2017, ebay also announced that returns may be automatically approved https://pages.ebay.com/seller-center/seller-updates/2017-fall/returns.html

[seller*by*day]

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@dinpavent0 wrote:
I believe if the item is item not as described or if they claim item not received, ebay approves it automatically no matter what your return policy is. Ebay will always force a return for that case. If you accepts 30 or 60 day returns, no matter what the reason, you have already approved it by accepting returns in general.

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@dinpavent0 Returns are only automatically approved if the seller has a return policy. 

[dinpavent0]

That is what I was saying in last sentence, If you have return policy, Ie: 30 days returns, they are approved. Lol, sorry maybe the way I worded it , it came out wrong way.

[castlemagicmemories]

This was announced and implemented in 2017 in the Fall Seller Update.  Since you offer returns, it is automatically accepted.

Updates come out in Spring, Fall and sometimes Summer.  There are usually threads discussing each new update as it is released.  

https://pages.ebay.com/seller-center/seller-updates/2017-fall/returns.html

Automatic acceptance of returns

Beginning in October 2017, returns requests may automatically be accepted to make the returns process easier for you and your buyers. eBay will automatically accept a return request and provide a return shipping label to the buyer when the buyer pays for return shipping. If you offer free returns or if you’re required to pay for the return shipping label, automatic acceptance will only occur if you have not replied to the buyer return request within three business days.

Automatic acceptance allows buyers to ship items back to you quickly and efficiently, and get their refunds sooner. You will also save time and receive reimbursement for final value fees.

You can continue to control the efficiency of your returns process by creating rules in your return preferences to automatically approve returns or send immediate refunds without requiring the buyer to send the item back.

[labs118]

If you don't want them auto approved then set up your preferences to require an RMA then you get the chance to at least look at the return case, issue your own return label if you decide or have ebay issue the label

It was at one time just for buyers remorse buyer paid shipping but Sept. 6th they made the announcement  it is also now for not as described as well 

https://community.ebay.com/t5/Announcements/Auto-Accept-and-Auto-Refund-Features-in-Returns-Process-...


Here is link with the graph of the new return flow

https://pages.ebay.com/seller-center/seller-updates/2018-summer/simplified-returns.html#streamlined-...

[arun7500]

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@vintageista wrote:

I do not offer FREE RETURNS, I do not have my preferences set for AUTOMATIC RETURNS but eBay keeps approving returns anyway. Is this a new ruling I missed out on? Cannot find where it states that is so. Does anyone know the rules about this?

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Completely understandable, you're just operating under a misconception. Yes, you do offer free returns, and Yes, there is nothing you can do about it. As typical with ebay, they explain the rules to you in detail, but also explain and promote to their buying base that everything is returnable, paid on the sellers dime and all easily accomplish with the simple ' SNAD.' Your only responsibility is decide whether you want to pay for the return shipping or give your stuff away. 

[castlemagicmemories]

A thread from 2017 about this:

https://community.ebay.com/t5/Selling/Automatic-returns-now-in-effect/td-p/27672033/highlight/false