Returns Automatically Accepted

[camaross346]

I recently sold something to a buyer that I've sold over 30 of without issue.  I don't accept returns.  The buyer (with only 24 feedback) claimed it was defective/doesn't work because what they're trying to use it with isn't compatible, but admitted there was nothing wrong with the item itself.  Ebay automatically accepted the return without even giving me an option to dispute it.  I had to fight their chat bot to even get to a real person, who kept telling me they "recommend" I just accept the return.  What else am I supposed to do, I'm not even given another option!  After 15 minutes on the call, the representative finally offered to cover the full cost back to the buyer.

It's just unbelievable to me how poor Ebay treats their sellers, and it's the reason I've stepped back from selling and recently closed my store.  I'm just venting here, because they don't seem to care.

[aproudparent2010]

A majority of your listings I looked at offer Free Returns?

I wouldn't count on the eBay rep covering the cost of anything, they want to get you off the line so they can move on to the next call.

[leaderco_97]

I hear you, and honestly, I don’t blame you for being frustrated what happened to you is becoming way too common. eBay claims sellers can choose “no returns,” but the moment a buyer selects “item not as described” or “defective,” eBay automatically forces the return whether it’s true or not. In your case the buyer even admitted the item wasn’t defective it was just incompatible with what they wanted to use it with. That should absolutely not be counted as a seller fault.

And you're right getting past the chatbot just to talk to a real person is a struggle, and even then, support usually just repeats the same scripted line: “we recommend you accept the return.” Sellers don’t want recommendations we want fair options and a chance to defend ourselves.

I’m glad they eventually offered to cover the refund, but it shouldn’t take a 15-minute fight to reach a fair outcome. Situations like this really send the message that seller protections are weak unless you push back hard, and most sellers don’t have the time or energy to battle support over every unfair case. No wonder so many long-time sellers are stepping back or closing their stores.

Thanks for sharing your experience eBay needs to hear this, especially from honest sellers who are simply asking for fair treatment.

[camaross346]

Well that's interesting.  It looks like Ebay automatically changed that on me.  I guess I get to go through all my listings and update that.

Edit: Nevermind, I can't change it.  They're forcing me into accepting returns.  That's going to further change what I sell here.

[albertabrightalberta]

@leaderco_97 

Did someone tell you that you would be employed by eBay and eBay would pay you to post product reviews, write forum posts, or grab orders? This is a scam, and they are setting you up to steal from you. The scammers will earn your trust with fake proof of their system, perhaps even let you withdraw very small payments, then they will tell you that you have to pay them to be able to withdraw more payments.

This is called a task scam or an order-grabbing scam. The fake company might use the name "eBay Mall" or a different name. Either way, it's a scam that has nothing to do with the real eBay.

eBay doesn't pay people to write forum posts, write product reviews, or grab orders. No legitimate company pays for this type of "work."

If the scammers ask you to sign up for a cryptocurrency account, don't do it. Don't give them any money; you won't get any of it back. More info: https://malwaretips.com/blogs/ebay-job-scam/

[albertabrightalberta]

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@camaross346 wrote:

I recently sold something to a buyer that I've sold over 30 of without issue.  I don't accept returns.  The buyer (with only 24 feedback) claimed it was defective/doesn't work because what they're trying to use it with isn't compatible, but admitted there was nothing wrong with the item itself.  Ebay automatically accepted the return without even giving me an option to dispute it.

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@camaross346 

I'm guessing that the item in question is the "BOLT Lock 7028649 J-Mount for Hi-Lift Jack Passenger Side Jeep Wrangler JK TJ"

The reason this happened (that the return was automatically accepted) is because it was one of the items on which you offer "free returns," meaning you accept returns for ANY reason and YOU pay return shipping. 

These are your free return listings that have been sold: 
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_ssn=camaross346&LH_RPA=1&LH_Complete=1

[caldreamer]

EBAY recently changed their policy to "free returns" on new auto parts and accessories.   Some sellers are getting around this policy by listing parts as "used" and then in description mentioned that they are "brand new".

This is just another horrible policy by EBAY sure to drive auto parts sellers to the different platform.

[laurabeardsley]

There is NO protection for a seller and sellers have no say in any return. Guess you have to decide if you want to sell online and hope the majority of people are honest.

[bonanza125]

@caldreamer 

I don't understand how it's a horrible policy. If you walk into a store you are given a warranty on an item which is defective not working or wrong part purchased.  Same should apply to an online transaction. The part is not what they need then the buyer should be able to return it without hassle. I would never purchase parts from someone who gives "no returns." Which is why I purchase directly from a reliable auto parts store locally.  The days of "I sell whatever and everything is as-is no returns" have been over. 

[camaross346]

I figured out it was this.  Odd in the case that they implied the return was only accepted due to being reported as defective/doesn't work.

Changed all my listings to "used" which will undoubtably hurt my sales, but I'm not going to eat 2x shipping costs to get a now-used part back because somebody bought the wrong one or doesn't know how to use it.

Ebay wants so hard to be Amazon instead of just being Ebay.

[camaross346]

The difference is, you walked into the store to buy and walked in again to return.  Online, somebody has to pay shipping twice because you bought the wrong part or changed your mind.  I'm fine if that falls on the buyer, but Ebay won't allow that.  I discount all my parts from what you'd pay at another retailer to reflect the fact that they are being sold as-is, and my buyers seem happy to accept that risk to save some money.  I'll either have to raise my prices or stop selling entirely because of this.

[klhmdg]

@camaross346    Any new item listed in automotive category is "free returns" per the new eBay policy.

There is no other choice if you list a new item in that category. 

There are no other options anymore. 

[bonanza125]

 "I'll either have to raise my prices or stop selling entirely because of this."

This is your answer. Cause buyers are allowed to return parts. Parts are a tough business online. Ebay is now becoming no different than a walk in store. If I order an auto part from a store specially for me on order and I receive it and it doesn't work or I doesn't fit I can still return it and the auto parts store is on the hook for whatever it cost for shipping it to the store however most parts I get are in stock.  

[19camaroirocz91]

But why not offer buyers a choice to save money?  Your personal preference isn't everyone's.  I buy open box parts all the time.  Online retailers, like RockAuto, don't cover your shipping.  If you're fine paying much, much more at the local store, that's fine, but let those of us who'd prefer not to a choice.  That was the entire purpose of Ebay in the first place, no?