Returns & Restocking Fees

[lovtaco0]

As of May 1st eBay is doing away with restocking fees. What will happen when a buyer who made a purchase before May 1st decides to initiate a remorse return after May 1st? Will a restocking fee still be applicable because those are the terms that were agreed to at the time of purchase?

@Anonymous, tyler@ebay, brian@ebay

[emerald40]

I would imagine as long as it is initiated before May1st then the old rules would apply.

[lovtaco0]

Thanks but May 1st is tomorrow. I want to know what happens if they initiate a return tomorrow for an item purchased before the change.

[orangehound]

In the past, eBay always applies the policies in effect when the listing is created or renewed.  So, a listing created on 4/30 can charge restocking fees until 5/30 when it is relisted, and any purchase of  that  item before 5/30 would be subject to the restocking fee.

[Anonymous]

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@lovtaco0 wrote:

As of May 1st eBay is doing away with restocking fees. What will happen when a buyer who made a purchase before May 1st decides to initiate a remorse return after May 1st? Will a restocking fee still be applicable because those are the terms that were agreed to at the time of purchase?

@Anonymous, tyler@ebay, brian@ebay

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Hi @lovtaco0, I am looking into getting an answer for you on this right now. I will update once I have more info, no problem!

[ittybitnot]

In the past, eBay always applies the policies in effect when the listing is created or renewed. 

Unless, or course, they invoke the retro active clause. 

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

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@lovtaco0 wrote:

Thanks but May 1st is tomorrow. I want to know what happens if they initiate a return tomorrow for an item purchased before the change.

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Hi @lovtaco0, I just wanted to update you. Any purchase made before the change to restocking fees was applied (so any purchase completed prior to today) would still be able to charge a restocking fee. Any purchase completed today or after today would not have this option in a return.

The terms of the sale at the time of purchase would determine the seller's options, as you had hoped. Please let me know if you need anything else!

[lovtaco0]

Great, thanks Trinton!

[mam98031]

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@Anonymous wrote:

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@lovtaco0 wrote:

Thanks but May 1st is tomorrow. I want to know what happens if they initiate a return tomorrow for an item purchased before the change.

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Hi @lovtaco0, I just wanted to update you. Any purchase made before the change to restocking fees was applied (so any purchase completed prior to today) would still be able to charge a restocking fee. Any purchase completed today or after today would not have this option in a return.

The terms of the sale at the time of purchase would determine the seller's options, as you had hoped. Please let me know if you need anything else!

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Yep that is how it is working.  I had a Request for return filed today for a sale last week.  It is a buyer's remorse claim and I am able to charge a restocking fee.

Thank you

[heart_of_luv]

I understand that eBay took away this option as of May 1st, however, whenever I create a new listing/sell similar, it still gives me the option to charge with a restocking fee. I am confused - why is it still there if it's past May? For reference, I sell in the clothing category.

[mam98031]

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@heart_of_luv wrote:

I understand that eBay took away this option as of May 1st, however, whenever I create a new listing/sell similar, it still gives me the option to charge with a restocking fee. I am confused - why is it still there if it's past May? For reference, I sell in the clothing category.

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I see the same on mine, however I don't count on them being there when a sale may happen.  It always takes Ebay time to catch up.  So I am assuming I am functioning with no restocking fee at this point.  Sometime in the near future I'm sure my listings will reflect the same.

[lovtaco0]

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@heart_of_luv wrote:

I understand that eBay took away this option as of May 1st, however, whenever I create a new listing/sell similar, it still gives me the option to charge with a restocking fee. I am confused - why is it still there if it's past May? For reference, I sell in the clothing category.

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The update says the streamlined return policies will go into effect "starting in May", so it could be a roll-out throughout the month. My OP said May 1st because I err on the side of caution.

https://pages.ebay.com/seller-center/seller-updates/2018-spring/simplified-returns.html#m17-1-tb1

Changes to those offering "free returns" go into effect June 1st but that's a different topic.

[heart_of_luv]

Ha - I understand. I couldn't find a hard deadline for the transition anywhere so I just wanted to see if this was showing up for anyone else as well. I've pretty much taken changed my return policy but taking a gamble on a few listings - thanks!