Is it worthwhile accepting returns?

[linklu54]

I am a fairly new (less than one year) and still very small seller. When I started, I elected not to accept returns, because I was afraid the cost of accepting returns would be too great to absorb.

But lately I've been wondering if I'm using the same faulty logic as retailers who wouldn't accept credit cards because of the fees, not realizing that their business would increase substantially if they took credit cards, and the increase would more than offset the cost.

So is the same true here? Is there anyone on here who has had the experience of switching from not accepting returns to accepting returns, who can tell me if they had a noticeable increase in sales as a result, enough to compensate for the losses that come with it?

Sorry for the lengthy question and thanks in advance for responses.

[onefootflipper]

It really depends on what you sell. Buyers can ALWAYS force a return, but the ones who will do that are a small minority.  Heckofagame above offers returns, but also sells items that people almost never want to return (I sell some of the same things).

Women's clothing is one of the highest return categories. While accepting returns will boost your ranking it will also attract people who tend to return things. People who never return things do not look at return policies. 

Looking at what you sell I absolutely would not offer returns. With your prices compared to shipping costs a single return could take you 5-10 more good sales just to get back to even on. I would only have returns / free returns on clothes if I had a full time MACHINE of a used clothing operation with a very low cost of goods. 

[chapeau-noir]

I would implement a 30-day buyer pays return policy, absolutely.  I've sold clothing  here for years and used to be full time and life became so much easier when I instituted this policy. I found that most people are honest.

[kabilab]

Link,

When I established my current account, I chose NO RETURNS because that was what my cousin had on our partnership. After several yrs. and some returns, I decided to follow the advice of the board and change to a 30 day policy; I have experienced zero returns since that day. My primary product is DVDs and, unfortunately, sometimes excellent conditioned items will not play or will on one machine but not another player.

[mtgraves7984]

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@chapeau-noir wrote:

I would implement a 30-day buyer pays return policy, absolutely.  I've sold clothing  here for years and used to be full time and life became so much easier when I instituted this policy. I found that most people are honest.

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@linklu54... THIS. ^^^

And if I'm not mistaken, looks like you're having luck with the revisions. I see more that offer Returns this afternoon, no? 😃

[onefootflipper]

Does buyer paid returns actually rank higher in search?

[vintagecraze50]

Always accept returns. Yes sales can increase because your buyer will have more confidence in buying. There is practically no where on the planet where returns are not accepted. Only for some situations with perishable goods etc.

[earthdreamer]

@mtgraves7984 

Thank you so much for your instructions.

I had been doing my returns policy edits one listing at a time, so you have now saved me a lot of trouble. 

[simply-the-best-for-you]

As a clothing  seller also, I didn't find it worthwhile at all.  I've tried it 3 different times, for a minimum of 1 month & a maximum of 2 months, most recently just a few months ago.   Never saw any evidence of a boost in SEO (I'm aware they say there is one) & never saw an increase or decrease in sales that was substantial enough as to be noticeable.   

I will say though that my client base is honest, so I don't have too many problems with false SNADs.  

[linklu54]

This was awesome, thank you! Amazing (not really) that none of the three people in Support told me how to do this or even that it was possible. I really wanted to turn it on, wait a few months to see if there was a noticeable uptick in sales, and then turn it off if there was no significant increase and/or it seemed to be getting abused. But I was dreading having to go listing by listing (I only have a few hundred now but in a couple of months it should be about 1,000) to change it back. Knowing I can do it all at once is a load off. Thanks again!

[mtgraves7984]

Thanks again!

@linklu54 

My pleasure! Admittedly, I was hopping from window to window to explain it to you... but I see today that you got it!

I skimmed through your inventory, and think you've done well. For what it's worth, I find that if an item sells once, it will again. I've not had a SNAD Return in a long time, but I've had two (honest) remorse Returns where the buyers paid return postage. Both of those items went to the right  buyer the second time I listed them. Good luck and happy selling! 

Afterthought... more than 3 people in support couldn't have helped... it's sad. But you're always welcome here. 😊