If you accept BUYER PAID RETURNS . . .

[gulfcoasthula]

For those who accept buyer paid returns, do you feel like you receive more return requests than before you opted into this?  I've heard mixed reviews about accepting returns - some people say it doesn't force more returns and some say it does.  Looking for advice from experienced sellers.  Definitely NOT interested in the whole free returns thing at this point.  Thank you sharing your thoughts and experience.

[divwido]

I'm heading towards fully insured and no returns.  It's too easy to damage something-in my market.  I've learned my lesson too many times.  Now, I do it my way. 

[this*old*attic]

I get more returns than I used to, but I sell clothing.

im sure there are categories where returns are less common.

[escarchac]

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@divwido wrote:

I'm heading towards fully insured and no returns.  It's too easy to damage something-in my market.  I've learned my lesson too many times.  Now, I do it my way. 

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From what I understand, if you use USPS for shipping, getting reimbursed for damage because of shipping is a pipe dream.  I don't know about FedEx or UPS.  So far I've been lucky on returns. I have all of my listings as no returns, but I'm just waiting for that bomb to go off.

[bigdeals.etc]

"Accept buyer paid returns" as opposed to what?

1) not accepting returns at all, or 2) Accepting free (seller paid) returns?

And when members reply with a "more" or "less", I hope they are referring to the percentage of entire sales. Because it's useless to compare the volume of returns without considering he respective volume of sales... since many of our sales are very inconsistent. Especially with holiday season coming up.

[yuzuha]

I have always accepted buyer paid returns.

I have yet to have a single return in over 500 sales.

[parkersparrow]

I had tried to stop taking returns because I really didn't like the new 30 return policy. It was ok at first but then I feel like my sales slowed down. Now I'm back to returns except for clothing items, they seem like the most trouble where returns are concerned.  I sell mostly jewelry so its lightweight and shipping costs aren't to high. I actually have been pretty lucky, most of my customer are honest about it being a remorse return and don't file false claims. If there is a problem like a damage etc. we can usually work it out. All in all my returns are a small percent to my actual sales.

[bigdeals.etc]

Yes, I can attest that returns for clothing are among one of the worst ones to deal with. But then again, I don't have many other to compare it against to experience wise. I would think electronics is pretty high up on that list too.

[lamber9347]

I have always accepted returns and been selling for many years. When the free returns started I changed mine to accept the free returns. I have yet to have a return for a single item that I've sold. 

I have changed some of my higher weighted items (very far in my inventory) to buyer pays for return shipping. I think it really has to do with what you are selling. I mainly sell collectibles and find that my buyers are just happy to find the vintage collectible they were looking for, so no reason to return it. 

I also list all 12 photos and take very detailed snaps. I describe my items very detailed and I answer all questions sent to me. Majority of my items are light weight and sell for under $30. I don't sell any electronics or phones and rarely any clothing. I have to think that all of these things add up to my not ever having a return. I know one or two are coming and I will accept them when they do. 

[tamaralea]

Do you mean buyer or seller paid returns?  I have buyer paid and have had one buyer use it, BUT one buyer gave a neg, rather than send it back, and another buyer claimed SNAD, so I would have to pay shipping.  This is only 3 of 70 transactions.  

[fern*wood]

It's difficult to know for sure.  Before I offered returns, I had returns for not as described when nothing was wrong with the items.   So, had I offered returns, I would still receive this return, but given the buyer the opportunity to be honest and pick changed mind.   I go with the theory that if a buyer wants to return something--they will.    I'm not convinced a no return policy discourages returns as much as it might encourage dishonesty.

[thehonorabletrader]

Great answers and information in here. Just thought I would add on. 

ShipCover insurance is what I use. If the buyer opens a return because the item arrived damage, you can file the ShipCover claim right from the eBay Shipping Labels page and they will just refund the buyer directly. It's very slick. 

You are fine to have "no returns" but please understand this is for "remorse" reasons. When selling on eBay you agree to accept returns under the eBay Money Back Guarantee. 

Finally, it really is category specific. As mention usually clothing items and shoes are more common return items. What category are you selling in? 

[kensgiftshop]

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@gulfcoasthula wrote:

For those who accept buyer paid returns, do you feel like you receive more return requests than before you opted into this?  I've heard mixed reviews about accepting returns - some people say it doesn't force more returns and some say it does.  Looking for advice from experienced sellers.  Definitely NOT interested in the whole free returns thing at this point.  Thank you sharing your thoughts and experience.

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I've always taken returns and I might get 1 or 2 a year.

I don't know if it causes more or less, probably depends on what you sell.

[jodieblue57]

You can say "no return", but, it really doesn't mean much to Ebay. Buyer can still find a way to return it - SNAD, for instance. Ebay will always side with the buyer.  

[southern*sweet*tea]

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@fern*wood wrote:

  I go with the theory that if a buyer wants to return something--they will.    I'm not convinced a no return policy discourages returns as much as it might encourage dishonesty.

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^^^THIS^^^