My first return request-what to do

[chez-desir]

I am not sure how this works it's never happened in 15 yrs. The item is described in detail, buyer says to large to wear so I assume they never read the details and bid on the photo alone.  Do they send it me first their cost then I refund, or must I pay them and hope like heck they return item? It is as described so what happens if I refuse to return, I am guessing that ebay takes over and forces a return. Clearly I've done nothing wrong but I get the feeling I have to also pay return shipping, is that true? BTW my listings all say no returns accepted I am guessing that is also immaterial.

[gwzcomps]

What was their reason selected for the return? I am not sure what the policy is for undergarments. Generally for not as described cases you are forced to accept the return. Since you don't accept returns you can decline remorse returns. Then the buyer will file a claim through Paypal or their CC.

[griffithbarbara1]

You would wait to receive the item (if that's what you chose to do) you could also suggest to the buyer to open a case if you believe you would win (buyer not honest) I have done that before and the buyer chose not to for obvious reasons but then again I've seen other horror stories with other sellers in this case. I personally haven't had this issue with a dishonest buyer I found suspect. But yes, you would receive the item first and they're suppose to pay shipping if you don't accept returns but you can also choose to pay the return regardless. I personally go off of my judgment of how legit or honest the buyer is and do what I feel is the fairest thing to do. Barbara 

[chez-desir]

The reason was they are too large do not fit. Buyer is a regular, description had exact sizes, so it just sounds like remorse. I would do a refund but really do not want to provide shipping, thanks for your earlier reply

[chez-desir]

the buyer is a regular, the description was accurate I don't think they read it. I would do a refund but I guess ebay can force me to pay return shipping for buyers remorse. Ive read returns are allowed without any good reason at all. That seems a little out of control, thanks for your earlier reply

[sg51]

That's not the formal reason.

The formal reason is "not as described", or something else.  That's crucial to answer what happens next, and what choices you have.

[chapeau-noir]

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@chez-desir wrote:
the buyer is a regular, the description was accurate I don't think they read it. I would do a refund but I guess ebay can force me to pay return shipping for buyers remorse. Ive read returns are allowed without any good reason at all. That seems a little out of control, thanks for your earlier reply

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Well, you could deny the return since the reason is 'does not fit' and not SNAD, but TBH, it's easier just to ask them to file a return through the regular returns option and choose 'does not fit' which is the reason (too large). They'll be issued a return label (on their dime, but cheaper and easier than if they purchased the label themselves), you receive the item, inspect and refund item price only.

ETA: Especially if the buyer is one of your regulars - I try to provide gold star service to all my buyers, but my regular buyers get the extra touch.

[adkhighker]

Was the message for the return request sent to you by eBay or did the message come to you directly from the buyer? Either way, I would accept the return even though your listings say you don't accept returns.  Someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but if the message came automated from eBay, eBay will send the buyer a return label once you say you will accept the return. The money for the label will come out of your pocket. As others upthread said, don't refund until you get the item back.

[chez-desir]

They buyer only said too large, maybe there are selected complaints they can click on or "other" where they make a statement. Item does match description to a T. Seems I have a range of choices, decline return being one. I guess ebay can force me to, does that earn me a defect if a case is open? This is all new to me.

[chez-desir]

thanks for reply, as soon as I got it I messaged saying I'd refund if they would just return it, have not heard back. The request did come thru Ebay, I guess they did not choose an ebay return reason but typed in their own reason.

[sg51]

maybe there are selected complaints they can click on or "other" where they make a statement.

You need to get past that "maybe".  There is no formal complaint "too large".  That could be the secondary explanation for at least two of the formal categories.

You need to know. It affects your decision, a lot.

[chez-desir]

the request says "doesn't fit" is that one the buyers legit choices? I don't mind the refund, just don't want to pay shipping for remorse buying and not reading description

[stuff_from_dylan]

If you don't offer returns, you can decline the request. Otherwise, if you accept it, the buyer will be responsible for return shipping, if you don't offer free returns.

[patd3283]

And some buyers request refunds directly because they have returned too many things and do not want to be on eBay's radar.

If it has not gone too far, ask the seller to file a return request stating accurately the reason.  If she says 'wrong size', she usually returns on her dime.  If she says 'not as described' you have eBay send her a label to send it back.

Once you have examined, you refund.  Since you do not accept refunds, I do not think you can with hold any of the refund.  Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

[chez-desir]

thanks for the reply, the request is official from Ebay, I re read it and the heading reads like this
The buyer requested a return, but you're not obligated to accept a return for this item.
is that normal, not obligated? It is probably rare to sell for 15 yr. and never have a return so thanks for everyones help, tho some is contradictory.