Reality Check: Free Returns

[iart]

We signed up for the Free Returns at the end of May. We figured it would increase our sales or, at least, keep them at the same level.

But in the last week, since ebay wanted us to sign up, our sales have plummeted by over half. And we have more listings now than ever before. Going into summer is usually slow but this is a drastic cut.

Anyone else who opted into the free returns seeing this?

[southern*sweet*tea]

I've had free returns for a couple of years now, so it's not recent, but my sales drop like a rock every summer. They generally don't pick back up until sometime in late August or September. I don't think adding free returns has anything to do with it.

[gkyn29]

There is no correlation.

[castlemagicmemories]

I'm wondering if there is not such a demand for free returns as some think there is.

Buyers who don't really need or use returns may just feel they are overpaying because they are covering a return that may not be needed, so they pass these listings by?

I wonder.

But I will agree there is a general drop in sales in summer.

[gkyn29]

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@castlemagicmemories wrote:

I'm wondering if there is not such a demand for free returns as some think there is.

For legitimate and savvy buyers, no. Personally, I've never made my buying decision based on whether or not the seller offers returns, though perhaps I probably should. Come to think of it, I don't even look at that section...shame on me for having blinders I guess.

[hyperrush]

No improvements...

[cherry*fizz]

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@castlemagicmemories wrote:

I'm wondering if there is not such a demand for free returns as some think there is.

Buyers who don't really need or use returns may just feel they are overpaying because they are covering a return that may not be needed, so they pass these listings by?

I wonder.

But I will agree there is a general drop in sales in summer.

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I think they aren't something that older, more seasoned eBay buyers are looking for. I think a lot of people who have been here for a while, especially those who were around when it was more of a one of a kind auction place, never came here thinking they would return something. I never even think about returns when I purchase on here. I am guessing this is something that is to try and draw people in. Maybe trying to change people's perception. When many people thought of it as a big garage sale, no one thought of returning stuff. Now that they want it to be more product based, and there are so many sellers selling multiples of new items like a mall, people are going to want returns. So there mght not be a huge demand for it now but I think it might be turning that way. 

FWIW I have never returned anything to a seller here on eBay. The only way I would is if it came SNAD, the few things I've had that were not quite what I was expecting weren't anything significant, so I've just let it go. 

[gkyn29]

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@cherry*fizz wrote:

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@castlemagicmemories wrote:

I'm wondering if there is not such a demand for free returns as some think there is.

Buyers who don't really need or use returns may just feel they are overpaying because they are covering a return that may not be needed, so they pass these listings by?

I wonder.

But I will agree there is a general drop in sales in summer.

---

I think they aren't something that older, more seasoned eBay buyers are looking for. I think a lot of people who have been here for a while, especially those who were around when it was more of a one of a kind auction place, never came here thinking they would return something. I never even think about returns when I purchase on here. I am guessing this is something that is to try and draw people in. Maybe trying to change people's perception. When many people thought of it as a big garage sale, no one thought of returning stuff. Now that they want it to be more product based, and there are so many sellers selling multiples of new items like a mall, people are going to want returns. So there mght not be a huge demand for it now but I think it might be turning that way. 

FWIW I have never returned anything to a seller here on eBay. The only way I would is if it came SNAD, the few things I've had that were not quite what I was expecting weren't anything significant, so I've just let it go. 

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This is exactly what I was trying to say but failed miserably doing so.

[cherry*fizz]

I'm glad you got what I was saying, I always feel like I am not articulating and getting across what I mean lol. 🙂

[castlemagicmemories]

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@cherry*fizz wrote:

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@castlemagicmemories wrote:

I'm wondering if there is not such a demand for free returns as some think there is.

Buyers who don't really need or use returns may just feel they are overpaying because they are covering a return that may not be needed, so they pass these listings by?

I wonder.

But I will agree there is a general drop in sales in summer.

---

I think they aren't something that older, more seasoned eBay buyers are looking for. I think a lot of people who have been here for a while, especially those who were around when it was more of a one of a kind auction place, never came here thinking they would return something. I never even think about returns when I purchase on here. I am guessing this is something that is to try and draw people in. Maybe trying to change people's perception. When many people thought of it as a big garage sale, no one thought of returning stuff. Now that they want it to be more product based, and there are so many sellers selling multiples of new items like a mall, people are going to want returns. So there mght not be a huge demand for it now but I think it might be turning that way. 

FWIW I have never returned anything to a seller here on eBay. The only way I would is if it came SNAD, the few things I've had that were not quite what I was expecting weren't anything significant, so I've just let it go. 

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Very valid points.  I know I don't buyr looking to return, and I doubt we are alone.  But there is a type of buyer that probably does want that; and some categories that will probably be hurt by that~clothing, for example.

As for my returns, I have only returned some SNADS that I just couldn't bring myself to settle for~I just had to draw the line.  But buyers should not have to settle, and an accurate listing would eliminate that.  

[waterbed_bigfoot · Accepted solution]

We opted into the free returns on most of our items.  So far sales are about what they were last week.  I noticed that ebay sales over last year are showing greater than 10 percent loss overall in our market.  We are down 4.2 percent over last year.  I think all these changes have made a lot of sellers go into shock mode.  Most of us were opted into guaranteed delivery and got a special to try free returns.  Sellers are buyers too and I think that sellers aren't buying as much this year and evaluating if all these changes mean they will quit eBay.  I think it will pick up again at the end of the month.  Placement seems to be good for us under best match when I search and we have a good reputation so we are going to wait this out.  Plus the kids just all got out of school so a lot of parents are adjusting to a summer schedule and buying staples for that like food and outdoor and gardening stuff.  Hope my little ramble helps answer your question.

[iart]

Great comments. Thank you!

[castlemagicmemories]

As has been said, summer usually brings with it a drop in sales, so this may not have anything to do with free returns.

But Ebay has also been making a lot of changes to the site; and that can mean slow and no sales as well.

[designerfashionsforlessboutique]

I choose not to opt in to the free returns and my sales are down as well.  I just think that people are just not shopping that much right now.  As for free returns, usually that attracts too many dishonest buyers, people who really wants an item are not usually bothered if there is no free returns.  I will continue to offer 30 days hassle free no questions asked buyer pays returns

[ersatz_sobriquet]

I'm never offering free returns and my sales are up. I opted out of guaranteed delivery too. Whenever possible I am listing with a return window of 14 days.