Charging a restocking fee for open box return = "Thanks for reporting an issue with the buyer". Why?

[crazyscientist]

Every time I have an open box buyer's remorse return I charge the requisite 10-20% restocking fee as allowed.  But when I do this, Ebay's language makes it seem like I'm reporting the buyer for some kind of platform abuse - an e-mail is sent out with the subject "Thanks for reporting an issue with the buyer".   I'm sure that's true in some cases with returns but reporting buyer issues should be a separate system IMO.

[stainlessenginecovers]

Their own deduction guidelines are designed (unwritten) to be used with common sense. If the only way to find if something is a 'remorse' thing, or it doesn't work as they expected- is to open it, and you ALWAYS then charge for "was new, now opened", then you are abusing returns. 

Brick & Mortar stores will put 'returned' things back on the shelf 90% of the time, even if a bubble carded by the manufacture; something a little tape will fix- it's back on the shelf.

The 'dentist' that sells his items obviously cannot re-sell once opened, but a customer also can't return it without opening it, so again; cost of doing business and customer should NOT be charged anything. 

In other words, if you sell an item that must be opened to check it out, and you always then 'ding' that buyer, you are abusing. You then need to price it to cover these "once in a while" returns. 

If 3 of 100 are being returned (3%), then it's either the cost of doing business or raise prices. After all, 97 didn't have an issue. 

As all usually know, Shrink in a Brick & Mortar Store is 1% to 8% depending on what/how you sell. Cost of doing business. 

[dentalsales4u]

Well, first off, if a buyer opens a box/breaks the seal and something is wrong with the product.

I take the return without any fees to the buyer, plus pay all the shipping costs.

If they open/break the seal and return because the don't need it after all or changed their mind, then they are charged a small fee.  If they changed their minds and return unopened as received, they are not charged a fee and receive a full refund.

I've been doing it for several years now.

We also have a brick and mortar store, if someone makes a purchase, opens and then wants to return because they don't like it or didn't need it, we charge a restocking fee, but only if it's been more than 10 business days since date of purchase.

Some of our competitors won't even take a return if it's been opened/seal broken.