Quick Question

[ellenshideout]

I have a quick question. It his me today not sure what to do.

I am going to be out of commission for a week at least after having surgery later this month. I was wondering is their anyway to let eBay know this in case something is filed by a buyer? First few days especially will be a rough few days. 

Of course will make sure to suspend buyers from buying during that time also.

Any help is much appreciated.

[kensgiftshop]

Wouldn't do any good to let Ebay know, they'll still expect you to handle any returns or problems.

[frodobagginskennedy]

use the time away feature.  you can do it for either 15 days or 30 days.

[wastingtime101 · Accepted solution]

No, you'll still be responsible for handling any claims.

You can set up automatic return rules before your surgery to automatically approve returns, then turn off the automation rule when you're feeling well again. That way you won't have to worry about not being able to respond.

https://www.ebay.com/rtn/Return/SellerRules

Good luck with your surgery.

-------------------------

General info about using Time Away

Here's the page about Time Away settings:

https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/selling-tools/time-away?id=5137

If you allow sales while away, make sure you read all the exclusions carefully.

Plan to have any auctions or offers end a week before you leave. If you have automated offers enabled, turn them off here.

There's an option to set up an out of office auto-response within the Time Away settings.

Keep in mind you're still responsible for handling any return requests, claims or payment disputes that are filed while you're away. You may want to check in via the app or through a web browser on your phone every couple of days.

[toysaver]

There is a preference of sorts you can set up to have automatic acceptance for returns / refunds.  

Setting up your return policy | eBay

[fashunu4eeuh]

Hi Ellen, a wise move to  consider things before your surgery. (I’ve seen a few results where an unexpected event wreaked havoc on sellers’ eBay businesses.) Time Away is ideal for this. Another possible suggestion, if there is someone you trust, you could also consider giving them your log-in info as an additional measure, should something arise you want to address during your recuperation. eBay also has a Multi User Access program where you can grant limited access to your account without divulging sensitive data. See link below:

https://www.ebay.com/help/account/multiuser-account-access/multiuser-account-access?id=5197

 If it were me, i probably would not involve eBay, since it expects the same standards of performance be met, regardless of whatever life events may occur. At least, that has been my observation of their responses to afflicted sellers over the years. They rarely make exceptions in individual cases, but there likely is no harm in forewarning them, if it makes you feel better. 

Good luck with your surgery and wish you a speedy recovery. Please come back and let us know how you are faring.

[slippinjimmy]

@ellenshideout 

Having been in this exact situation several times in recent year it's really quite easy.

1 - Use Time Away and hide your listings

2 - In Time Away set up the auto-responder so that any buyer who sends a message will get a reply where you can let them know when you will be able to answer their question.

3 - Take whatever mobile device you have so that you can at least check your email and respond especially if a buyer opens an Item Not Received or Return Request.

One week is not a long time, you could do Time Away and leave your items available but you might not want to do that. Both my surgeries in the past 6 years indicated an in hospital time of 4 -  6 days, both times I was there for 9 days. I would rather forego a few sales than have to panic to get shipments out on time.

If your procedure goes well and also your recovery you can always end your Time Away (or change from Hidden to available) a bit early, just make sure it's compatible with your handling time, getting out for sure on Friday, end Time Away on Wednesday, make sure your handling time will accommodate shipping on Monday.

Note that virtually all hospitals offer wi-fi BUT they will not let you use hospital devices so you must have your own available.