HUGE increase in returns! Current buyer has enlightened me ...

[paperguy200]

This automatic return program is Horrible! There is no investigation what so ever or questions asked besides what the issue is. Ive had one buyer break the inside of a headlight probably putting a bulb in, another buyer send me back his old car part, another told me flat out that he found one for cheaper, etc.  Its ridiculous!

Recently, with a current buyer, I sent him the wrong item, this was obviously my fault. The next day  after he filed the return request I messaged him to ask if he wanted to exchange for the proper part  with a picture of the part. He said yes and went on to tell me that he purchased the right part already but mine look better and are cheaper but  he would "Just return it".  Basically, some buyers hold no regard to whats going on as a seller.  and how much money we actually lose doing returns. If they find a product that cheaper after within the 30 days or 14 days, theyll just lie when they file a return. 

Is it right for ebay to allow this?

[donsdetour]

lot of fraud and theft in auto parts both ways.....

[soh.maryl]

From its beginning, or close to it, eBay has always had the Money Back Guarantee for buyers.  All sellers should read it, preferably BEFORE they begin to sell here.  Basically, it's any buyer can claim an item is not as described.  He does not have to prove it.  ALL sellers should be aware of this potential.  If they chose to list and sell here, it would mean that they understand the MBG and are willing to take that risk.  eBay has no way to look at an item and decide whether or not it's NAD.  

[buyselljack2016]

As I understand it, if you offer "returns",..................................  the process will be automatic.

[meme6253]

That Is Why I Don't Offer returns, I Know they can be forced upon me, But I will not offer it Up!, But They should all be investigated properly to protect us sellers from fraud claims!!

[ten_o_nine]

There is no investigation what so ever or questions asked besides what the issue is.

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No company has the resources to investigate, not even the federal government, or we would have a safe internet.

[stainlessenginecovers]

This seems like nothing new. 

Buyers have been returning things when

a.) they want to 

b.) found cheaper

c.) some want items for free and just return old part

This even happens in B/M Stores and has for decades.

It's all about the 'percentage'

Auto Parts are the highest at 19%

Followed by Clothing at 12% and 

Home Goods 11%

Of the 19%, how many are 'fraudulent'? That's the number you need to focus on.

And if your returns are much lower than 19% then you are already ahead of the game. 

[lakefor94]

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@meme6253 wrote:

That Is Why I Don't Offer returns, I Know they can be forced upon me, But I will not offer it Up!, But They should all be investigated properly to protect us sellers from fraud claims!!

---

eBay getting into the middle of he said, she said. Not happening. Not happening on Amazon either. 

Wonder how much it would cost to mitigate 50% of eBay returns where the buyers and sellers are lying thru their teeth, all day long.

FVF's could average 16 percent to cover the costs. 

[rugerskick]

Can I ask where you found the percentages info?  I would like to read the article and see the other categories and percentages they all looked at, it sounds like a interesting article.

[downunder-61]

When you get an item returned, if there is obviously nothing wrong with it or it is not your original, and the buyer claimed a false INAD to save shipping back to you, report them for abuse.

It may not help you in that instance, but will help you and others in the long run, too many returns from one buyer can and does result in the loss of the MBG protection.

Go here to report a buyer for misusing the Money Back Guarantee. https://spd.ebay.com/RBASellerHub

[beadstory]

In all my many years, i have never seen so many returns as this last 2 weeks. One was even from May saying they never received but using the return route to try get a refund. In this instance, i complained to ebay with proof of shipping and it was closed immediately as a "glitch" in the system had allowed them to open a return under false premises. Another return is a blatent lie which is being investigated by ebay. I have several returns open which i have accepted but they have never shipped back. Now i have to wait 30 days for them to ship or not and in the meantime, that money is in hold. Thought paypal was bad but this new Ebay policy is nuts

[ittybitnot]

eBay has no way to look at an item and decide whether or not it's NAD.  

@soh.maryl 

I always felt that is the exact reason why eBay should NOT be deciding anyway. 

[sextons-sweet-deals]

1. turn off free returns. Make the buyer open a case if not happy and work the issue out

2. be sure you're giving all details, photos, & part / model numbers in your listing

3. I would also note in listing to ask questions if needed before bidding or buying

some buyers will buy replacement parts, file a return / claim and then send back the broken part they just replaced with yours. Freebie all around! Full refund and return shipping cost to seller.  

[albertabrightalberta]

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@paperguy200 wrote:

This automatic return program is Horrible! There is no investigation what so ever or questions asked besides what the issue is.

---

You have a return policy and with that, it means a buyer can return an item for any reason or for no reason! And you MUST accept it since you're the one who sets your own policy. They don't need to contact you, an "investigation" isn't needed or required, and there's nothing to explain to you or for you to explain to the buyer.

[albertabrightalberta]

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@paperguy200 wrote:

Recently, with a current buyer, I sent him the wrong item, this was obviously my fault. The next day  after he filed the return request I messaged him to ask if he wanted to exchange for the proper part  with a picture of the part. He said yes and went on to tell me that he purchased the right part already but mine look better and are cheaper but  he would "Just return it".  Basically, some buyers hold no regard to whats going on as a seller.  and how much money we actually lose doing returns. If they find a product that cheaper after within the 30 days or 14 days, theyll just lie when they file a return. 

Is it right for ebay to allow this?

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I don't understand your complaint in this instance! You sent the wrong item! Of course the buyer wants to return it for a refund.  And because of your mistake, the buyer shouldn't have to be out any money so yes, you pay return shipping and issue a full refund. 

What kind of "regard to whats going on as a seller" should the buyer have? You goofed and are responsible. Own your mistake. 

And if you don't want to get automatically accepted returns, don't have a return policy. 

Sheesh!