Return was initiated, but not yet shipped after many days

[wmbt]

I had a sale on 12/27.  Then on 12/31 ebay sent me email notifying me the buyer was returning the item, and:

"Based on the return rule that is set for your account, the return has been automatically approved.  We've asked the buyer to send the item back. After the buyer ships the item, we'll share the tracking information with you."

That was the first and last time I've heard from ebay about the return request. 

No follow up, and have not received the return.  Either the buyer changed mind and won't return, or they forgot it  or has been too busy and eventually may ship it to me.  I know ebay has 14 day rule for buyer to *request* return, but what about the actual shipping and delivery of the return? Is there a time limit so I can put this behind me? Thanks in advance!

[dinpavent0]

I think buyer has 5 days from time of opening case to return item to you. If not. you can call ebay and have case closed in your favor.

[dinpavent0]

Also buyer has 30 days to request return or 60 depending on your return rules you have set. I also believe buyer can open case with paypal up to 180 days after sale. I would just call ebay and have case closed.

[wmbt]

Thanks. If I call ebay, will they send a message to the buyer to remind them to ship the return? 

And what happens if I don't call ebay and the buy suddenly ships the return after a few weeks?

[dinpavent0]

If you call ebay and have them close case in your favor, ebay will send an email to the buyer right away to let them know case has been closed. I personally have never left case open, but if I was you I would defintely call ebay to close. I doubt that if they haven't sent it our yet or contacted you, they probably are not going to send it period. I would just call and get it put behind you.

[wmbt]

Ok, thanks, agreed, will do it tomorrow.

[dinpavent0]

Yes, if it was other way around, believe me they would close it as soon as able too. Good luck.

[mam98031]

The rule is that once the seller issues the return label or accept the return request, the buyer has 5 business days to ship the item back.  If the case is not showing that, you are well within your rights to call Ebay and have the close the claim right away.  And it is in your best interest to do that promptly tomorrow morning.  Your buyer has had more than enough time to comply.

Please come back and update us on how things go for you.

[labs118]

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@wmbt wrote:

I had a sale on 12/27.  Then on 12/31 ebay sent me email notifying me the buyer was returning the item, and:

"Based on the return rule that is set for your account, the return has been automatically approved.  We've asked the buyer to send the item back. After the buyer ships the item, we'll share the tracking information with you."

That was the first and last time I've heard from ebay about the return request. 

No follow up, and have not received the return.  Either the buyer changed mind and won't return, or they forgot it  or has been too busy and eventually may ship it to me.  I know ebay has 14 day rule for buyer to *request* return, but what about the actual shipping and delivery of the return? Is there a time limit so I can put this behind me? Thanks in advance!

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In addition to what others have posted 

Just to clarify a buyer has ebay MBG and can request a return for up to 30 days from delivery.
Also I'm not sure how you have 14 day returns on clothing as they did away with that in most categories so don't be surprised one day if you can't list or relist until you update that return policy

https://pages.ebay.com/seller-center/seller-updates/2018-spring/simplified-returns.html

Certain product categories have unique retail standards and sellers will be able to offer variations on the new returns policy options. Categories that will continue have the option to offer 14-day returns include Collectibles & Art, Cameras & Photo and Medical, Mobility & Disability Equipment.

[wmbt]

Thank you for the comments and help, I just called ebay and they closed the case in my favor. The rep sounded very polite and helpful. Glad I asked here.

 labs118, yes, I have been getting emails from ebay several times that says I need to change my return policy to conform with ebay's, or else I may not get the listings automatically renewed. I wasn't sure what the problem was. Can't keep up with the constant changes of ebay rules. I will read the link you provided, thanks!

[wmbt]

Here is the email I just got from ebay:

"We reviewed this case and have closed it without any refund to the buyer.

The case will not affect your seller performance. Any feedback left for this transaction will be removed. The buyer did not return the item to you within the required timeframe."

It didn't mention what the "required timeframe" is, though. Is it stated anywhere on return policy rules?

[castlemagicmemories]

As others have said, buyer generally have 5 days to get the item in the mail.  It usually says that in the case.  

However, just as a seller can call and ask for an extension to allow for delivery of an order, a buyer can call and ask for an extension to get the item in the mail for a return.

[mam98031]

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@wmbt wrote:

Here is the email I just got from ebay:

"We reviewed this case and have closed it without any refund to the buyer.

The case will not affect your seller performance. Any feedback left for this transaction will be removed. The buyer did not return the item to you within the required timeframe."

It didn't mention what the "required timeframe" is, though. Is it stated anywhere on return policy rules?

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EXCELLENT!  I'm very glad this worked out for you.  The timeframe is stated in the policies that govern a return and as stated a few times on the thread.  5 business days.

[mam98031]

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@castlemagicmemories wrote:

As others have said, buyer generally have 5 days to get the item in the mail.  It usually says that in the case.  

However, just as a seller can call and ask for an extension to allow for delivery of an order, a buyer can call and ask for an extension to get the item in the mail for a return.

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This is true if there there is good cause for the extension.  Merely a request does not give the buyer an extension.  With that said and with the way Ebay currently handles claims, it wouldn't surprise me that if now they are giving buyers extensions without any reason at all except that they have asked.

[wmbt]

Actually nowhere has ebay told me the buyer should ship it within 5 days--I just double checked the email opening the case: 

"We've asked the buyer to send the item back. After the buyer ships the item, we'll share the tracking information with you. 

Please inspect the item before issuing a refund. View the return details to issue a refund now, if you like. You must issue a refund within 2 days of item being delivered."

I was just wondering if there is an official rule stated somewhere of the 5 business days that everyone  is agreeing about. In any case, glad the case was closed. 

(All the info about returns the helpful members shared here is also helpful to me as a buyer.)