Just a small question about returns

[turquoisetulips]

I  sold a locket  necklace to a buyer  a few weeks ago and it was received  . Last night they sent me a message '' What are your return instructions '' ? unquote . They said nothing else , no complaint about their purchase ,, nothing . I just assume they want to return it,, fine by me . I  replied  the return instructions  are always printed on all of my listings and they are .The buyer pays for the return shipping , when the item arrives back to me and its in the same new undamaged  condition as it was when it was sent ,, then they receive a full refund . However my question is this .I always provide free shipping .The shipping costs to me are always 2.61 for my jewelry  to be shipped anywhere in the U.S . Since I don't keep  the shipping fee , USPS does ,, do I subtract the shipping I paid before issuing a refund ?

[swenson8781]

In your listings, do you have it set up that you accept returns? They need to go through the eBay return system and request a 'return' (there should be a button next to the item on their side).  That will require them to provide tracking on the item, to ensure you receive it back, and once you refund them you will also receive your final value fees back.  

If they do not use the system, and you simply issue them a refund through Paypal, you might end up with a 'defect' on your account, which you don't want.

And no, it doesn't allow for you to receive your initial shipping costs back.  Sadly, if one offers free shipping, we are out that fee if a buyer wants to return.  The only way to recoup some of that is to apply a 'restocking fee' when you are listing the items, and that allows you to refund them minus 20%.  Doesn't give you back all of your initial shipping costs, but some rather than nothing.

[turquoisetulips]

That helped , thank you