Return Policy: do you take returns? Free returns? What works for you?

[love2beselling]

I recently saw a post from a new seller getting slammed with returns in clothing as the seller was doing free returns.  Sellers jumped in and advised the seller- to swiftly switch to PAID returns. Seller did. Return problem solved.
So question, do you take returns? Are your returns typically buyer pays or do you offer free returns on some items?
For the record, I take returns on everything. On clothing buyer pays. On categories with little to no returns I do free returns as I am a Top Rated Seller and free returns along with one day or same day handling and 30 day or better return policy earns me a 10% FVF rebate. I like getting some $ back from eBay.

What works for you?

[stainlessenginecovers]

Just like "Do I do 'free' shipping?" etc.; the answer is simple:

What does MOST of your competition do? (in your category)

[powell-collectibles]

Agreed that sellers shouldn’t pick free

returns without having an idea of the consequences.  At least a rough estimate 🙂

a lot of us have very low return rates - I’m probably at less than half of a percent.  I can easily offer free returns with no worry.  

[powell-collectibles]

OP was just asking what works for other sellers.  I didn’t take it that she needed a rundown of options or a lecture.

[simply-the-best-for-you]

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@ebooksdiva wrote:

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@inhawaii wrote:

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@ebooksdiva wrote:

I sell audiobooks on CD, returned CDs can’t be resold due to finger prints and scratches, plus I’m not running a library.

 When I offered free returns, the returns were out of control. I switched to no returns a little over a year ago I am pleased to say I haven't had any returns. I will never go back to free returns.. I do understand that if a buyer decided to go the NAD route I will  be paying for the return or issue a refund without requiring the item back, I’m good with that. 

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I'm like you, also a "no returns" seller.

I see so many sellers here on the boards saying if you don't offer free returns, that buyers will make up fake INAD returns. 

I just don't see that happening with me.

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Hasn't happened with me either. 

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@ebooksdiva @inhawaii  I do get a couple nowadays, I didn't used to, but since I sell clothing, it's more expected due to fit reasons.  However, I only get 1-2/year. 

[reallynicestamps]

I take returns and pay for return shipping.

Because philately is a hobby for people who like precision, all the stamps of the world have been catalogued and numbered , although there are various catalogues and some disagreement on values.

And there are carefully described standards for grading.

One result is that there is little disagreement on what Not As Described means.

In additions, philately is known as a "handshake hobby" where word is bond.

And demographics comes into it.

The "criminal " demographic is male between 15 and 34. If your product appeals to that group, you will have many more problems than with my older more stable customers.

[gloryglorygifts]

I do 30-day free returns and get them rarely. Last year my percentage was 0.1%. It works for me. I think it depends on what you sell. I wouldn't do it if I was selling books or clothing. 

[johnrj1226]

When eBay introduced the  30 day Money Back Guarantee** for buyers, always had a a 30 day return policy   with buyer  pays shipping for remorse reasons, always had separate shipping/handling charge. Never did "free shipping.  Felt a no return policy was foolish and would be have a negative impact on sales - all  a buyer had to to do was claim the Item Was Not As Described and the seller was defenseless 99.9% of the time plus  returns are just a part of doing business

**  https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/ebay-money-back-guarantee-policy/ebay-money-back-guarantee-policy...

[knifeaholic]

I have offered 30 day free returns for many years.  No real issues, as my return rate is well below 1/2 of one percent. And I have not had a return that was my fault in many years.

I have an interesting return story, though.  When eBay first announced  the idea of 30-day returns, my initial reaction was that someone could buy one of my items, list it for sale for a couple weeks, then if they did not get their BIN price, open a return case and return the item to me for a refund.

That did happen to me.  I had a relatively high dollar item (over $300) listed as an auction. The item had several defects of the type that were not discernible in photos. I carefully described these defects in the listing description.

One of my competitors bid on and won the auction. He then listed the item, and did not mention any of these defects. He sold the item at auction for a hefty price, well above what he paid me for it. I had watched the auction, so I knew that he sold it and for what price.

Evidently his buyer was not happy and returned it to him.  The next thing I know, with about one day left in the original return window, my competitor buyer opens a return case for a VERY made up reason. So I had no choice but to pay this scoundrel for return shipping and got the item returned for a refund.

Some people are just hopeless!!

[respectsyoutech]

It can be very challenging not to lose money if a small shop with tiny margins.

Sometimes no matter how good a service you offer. No matter how sure you are all is 100%, safely packed, undamaged package. There are going to be unexpected returns. For one reason or another.

In this way, can make some sense to have: "buyer pays return shipping" - just to minimize buyer regret returns.

This won't stop INAD. But it's something.

And it's always risky for the seller, especially if limited finances.