Regarding order cancellation

[usa-depot]

Hi everyone,

We are encountering an issue with order cancellations on eBay and need some advice.  A customer places an order but sends a cancellation request within 1–2 hours before the order is shipped. Per eBay’s policy, if the order hasn’t been shipped yet, we are expected to accept the cancellation request.

While I understand this policy, frequent cancellations are a waste of resources and time, especially if we’ve already started processing the order. We are wondering if there’s a way to reduce or avoid this issue effectively. Here are my specific questions:

Should we create a cancellation policy?

If yes, how do we word it, and how can we ensure customers are aware of it before placing an order?

Does eBay allow us to implement such policies directly on our listings?

What are the alternatives to creating a policy?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

[wastingtime101]

You are not required to accept a buyer's cancellation request, but it's the best option when the item hasn't shipped yet. If you refuse the cancellation due to the inconvenience of wasted time/resources, consider the time/resources and money lost when the sale is forced and buyer files a return after receiving their package. Many of your items offer free returns. Consider the damage to your account if the buyer files a claim for "not as described" because they don't want to pay return shipping to China on the items that don't offer free returns.

Edit: Wait - didn't you post earlier to say your payments were on hold and account in limbo due to a lawsuit?

[albertabrightalberta]

In addition to the advice offered by @wastingtime101 , I inferred from your post that if you were allowed to have a "cancellation policy," it would be one in which you could charge a restocking fee or some form of penalty to the buyer for wasting your time. 

Be aware that you can't do that -- not with a cancellation policy, not with a return policy.

Just accept the cancellation. Why force a buyer to receive an item they don't want? You know you'd be getting it back. 

If you're annoyed enough, add the buyer to your blocked bidder list after cancelling so they can't inconvenience you again.

[johnrj1226]

You can  create any type of policy you wish BUT it is what eBay's policy says that counts - would  be a waste of time & effort for naught

[bonanza125]

I wouldn't bother creating a cancellation policy cause Ebay policy makes it easy for a customer to override it. If a customer sends a cancellation request before creating a label then cancel the order. If you have created a label you can send it but the buyer can return it. 

[toysaver]

My experience is to accept the cancellation and move on.  I'd rather deal with a cancellation than a disgruntled buyer and a return.