Has anyone changed listing to 30 day free returns??

[dinpavent0]

I am curious, I used to have 30 day returns on all my listings and buyer pays return shipping. Alot of my items are smaller and don't cost alot to ship, but do have some large items that would be costly to ship both ways if returned. I sell OEM auto parts, used and new, and have recently started selling vintage jewelry which I have done well with (no returns or refunds on jewelry). Only two returns on auto this year to date. Anyways, my listings are pretty detailed but have changed all new listings to No returns since reading the forum, everyone has scared the pants off me thinking I will lose a lot of money. A lot of listings made prior to June 1 still have 30 day returns, buyer pays. My question is had anyone else changed to the free returns? And how is it working out for you? I have been considering it. Just trying to get some feedback whether its a good idea or not.

[fashunu4eeuh]

Hi, I have offered 30 day free returns for over 2 years now. My reasoning was two-fold. I didn't want any buyer to feel he must open a case to get satisfaction, and i wanted to avoid defects. So I took the chance. I didn't highlight it in any way, but it was there. I had very few returns historically, and no returns since changing. I sell part-time during the main selling seasons (Christmas, Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day etc.) 

[dirk12955]

I sell stamps. MAny of my orders go out with a forever stamp.

Ebay bugged me to change my rules to 60 days return and I pay return shipping for better search placement and all that.

I did so late last year. It has not cost me anything (yet) And i get no returns to speak of.

But that's me.

[dinpavent0]

Thanks for your reply, I am thinking I may do it on my listings that are not costly to ship. Also, since you mail your items with a stamp, you have no tracking number then? I was wondering because I have had items I could send with just a stamp or two but I thought I would get in trouble with ebay for not uploading a tracking number. I have been curious about that for a while.

[dinpavent0]

Thanks!! I think I am just going to do it. It would be helpful to get discount again and it is helpful for buyer to know if there is a problem. Even though I put No refunds on all new listings past month and half, I still would of course take refund or make the customer happy and rectify situation. I haven't really had any buyer problems. Appreciate your feedback.

[luckythewinner]

Has anyone changed listing to 30 day free returns

I did a search for "dress" and then filtered by "free returns". There were 722k out of  9.9m ( ~7%)

I did a search for "tool" and then filtered by "free returns". There were 946k out of  5.8m ( ~16%)

I did a search for "ring" and then filtered by "free returns". There were 2.1m out of  14.9m ( ~14%)

I did a search for "beatles" and then filtered by "free returns". There were 14.3k out of  213k ( ~7%)

[sidemouse]

I don't suppose buyers would necessarily use "free returns" simply for that reason, although some certainly will... However, I know when I'm searching there are times I will use a filter simply to reduce the total number of results and in that sense "free returns" may have something to it.

[mam98031]

30 day Free Returns can work very well for some sellers in some categories.  And actually any seller that has been offering 30 day return with seller pays return shipping equals the same thing.  It is the same as Free Return but without the additional benefits of stating a 30 day Free Return policy.

For myself I'm sticking with 30 day returns and buyer pays return shipping.  I lose my discount for TRS, but it is OK.  It hasn't been that big of a deal for a long time now.  I personally just don't like the name of this policy.  Calling it Free Returns.  I won't risk someone coming through my listings, purchasing a few fragrances, get the delivery, break the seal on all of them to test them out, decide what they want to keep and then return the rest to me.  I sent out new products but would get back used products.  And Ebay will allow this on fragrances.  Their arguement is that buyers need to open them to make sure they are good.

I'm not running a testing business.  I do not guarantee anyone will like any certain fragrance.  So it is best for me to stay with a 30 day return policy with buyer pays return shipping.  Besides the buyer pays shipping ONLY applies to BR returns.

All sellers, even those with no return policies, have to take back a SNAD and pay the return shipping.  All sellers must meet or exceed the rules of the Money Back Guarantee.

[ag47silver-us]

One free return with free shipping at minimum first class shipping cost wipes out TRS+ 10% discount for $500 of sales...

[mam98031]

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@ag47silver-us wrote:
One free return with free shipping at minimum first class shipping cost wipes out TRS+ 10% discount for $500 of sales...

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Not exactly.

$500 x 10% = $50.00 FVF

$50.00 FVF x 10% TRS discount = $5.00

FCP for 0-4 oz is $2.66 USPS

So a single return and you still ahead by $2.34.

But it is important to remember ALL sellers pay for return shipping on SNAD returns.  Without exception.  It is Ebay's rule.

So the only thing in play here is Buyer Remorse claims.  If you don't currently get a lot of buyer remorse claims, there is no reason to believe you will get more just because you change your return policy.

The thing you need to keep within view is the category you sell in.  Some categories offering Free Returns can be a mine field.  But in many categories it will work quite well in.

If you sell in something like fashions, jewelry, fragrances, etc.  Products that are very subjective by nature.  Free Returns could encourage buyers to purchase several items to try on, smell, etc, to see which one works the best for their needs or desires.  Keep what works for them and return the rest.  That is a real potential issue.  But if you sell in a category that this is not a typical thing, Free Returns may be a very good option for you.

[thevintagesilvershop]

I’ve had free returns for about 90 days. No one has returned anything during that time. I also have NOT seen a better search placement, as a matter of fact, I think my search placement is worse. 

[mam98031]

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@thevintagesilvershop wrote:

I’ve had free returns for about 90 days. No one has returned anything during that time. I also have NOT seen a better search placement, as a matter of fact, I think my search placement is worse. 

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That would be because there is NO boost in the search returns for having Free Returns.  And Ebay never said we would get that.  

What Ebay has said is that there is a filter on the left side of a search screen that allows member to FILTER Free Return listings along with several other options.

If you are concerned because you thought you got a boost in the search returns because your listings qualify for TRS+, that is also not part of the benefit for the TRS+ listing rating.  You probably know this, but for those that don't realize it, the TRS+ designation on a listing only means the seller has qualified to be a TR seller and their listing qualifies for a FVF discount.  

All other benefits for TRS is covered under just being a TR seller.  You don not have to have the TRS+ designation on a listing to be a TR seller.

[evry1nositswindy]

Agreed and my sales have plummeted since I signed on for free returns.  Saving 10% of nothing!

[newview]

22 Year eBay member here, joined in 1996 ... I made all necessary adjustments and jumped thru all the hoops required to maintain TRS+ for the last two years, shipped Same Day 95% of the time, sometimes making 2, 3 trips to the Post Office daily, have a 100% feedback and have NEVER had a negative. Then eBay said I have to provide Free Returns to maintain TRS+.

Nope ... not gonna happen.

My Customer Service, Shipping and Feedback speaks for itself. 

They can KEEP their miserable 10% monthly discount and their stinkin' badge.

I'm not interested in dealing with buyers whose priority is Free Returns and whose first action is to toggle a Free Returns filter on any Search.

[mam98031]

To have a listing designated TRS +, you only have 3 requirements.

1.  You MUST qualify as a seller to be TR.

2.  You must offer 0-1 day shipping.

3.  You must offer Free Returns.

The ONLY benefit that TRS+ offers is the 10% discount on FVFs charged by Ebay.

ALL other benefits are for being a TR seller.  You can be TRS without having one single listing quailfy for TRS+.

I've chosen to remain TRS, but I'm not going after the discount anymore.  It isn't worth it to me at this time as the majority of my Returns are Buyer Remorse returns.