Are returns on the rise?

[partfinds]

Every year October and November are the worst for me in terms of number of returns. A lot of the returns are false claims.  Followed  by very slow December. Is it just me? What are the worst months for you in terms of returns and scam buyers?

[wastingtime101]

It's not just you. Returns have jumped exponentially YOY for us.

Oct/Nov they usually start to trickle in. Highest rate of fraud is typically mid Dec through end Jan and also Spring, though it happens year-round.

[dbfolks166mt]

     January used to be the worst month for returns post Christmas holiday. I got tired of dealing with it and now shutdown in mid November until after the first of the year which is also nice for tax purposes. Add to that the shipping issues during the holidays with delays and increased INR's it jut wasn't worth the headache. 

[chapeau-noir]

So bad that I pulled everything and will not start up until again after Christmas.  I just moved shop elsewhere.  I usually don't even mind returns - no hassles and it's a service I provide. But I'm too small to be overwhelmed with them.  

[whattheactualfox]

Its usually September through January

I worked at retail for a few years and noticed the pattern. It was usually around November-December they peak. It was always interesting trying to decline the returns.

I remember one time saying to a customer: "Sir I can't accept the return not because it's purchased from the store, its because it's leaking gasoline and oil and I can tell it was not returned new like you said."

^ Our store manager eventually decided to give the guy a replacement. Good Man

[katzrul15]

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@partfinds wrote:

Every year October and November are the worst for me in terms of number of returns. A lot of the returns are false claims.  Followed  by very slow December. Is it just me? What are the worst months for you in terms of returns and scam buyers?

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Scam buyers are now year 'round, unfortunately.  Jan-Feb are the worst for us for returns.  We turn into rent-a-center e-Bay post magic month (Dec)

[paraquip]

I have enormous issues with returns.....and just love that extra 5% selling fee from it.

Ebay is aware of this problem......I have had direct discussion with executives about it.....and they just cant seem to wrap their heads around what to do.....even though I can them every single metric in a report on how to improve the area.

If you wanted to broad brush the problem...... just cut the bottom 3% of all buying accounts.....that create nearly 90% of the issues.   Cant be any simpler than that....but if they did do that......I'm sure they will get their feelings hurt by a few negative tweets.

HK