Setting up a listing- Policy question

[coffeebean832]

Listing has free first class shipping- free returns.

A buyer asked if I could offer Express shipping which I'm happy to do. If that buyer later wants to return the item- does offering free returns require me to send an Express return label? I know I can upload my own first class label but I don't know if that would be against some hidden eBay policy as it's a slower class of shipping.

I want to make sure I'm not on the hook for Express return shipping if the situation arises.

[richard1rst]

When a return request is opened you will acknowledge the return which will then take you to a page that offers some options. YOU get to choose.

You can select for eBay to send the label. But you are concerned with what label they will send.

You can select to send your own label (based on your question this is the one you want), You will be prompted to upload the tracking number of the label. BUT there is a glitch in the system. You will get a message that the number already exists. Of course it does, you just created it elsewhere.  It will eventually show up.

If you want to avoid that frustration then create the label off of eBay. That way there will be no conflict. Use Paypal multi-order program, or any third party service. But do not tie it directly to the sale, Then the message above will not appear, but there will still be a record that you provided the label.

[coffeebean832]

Thanks- I know how to do all of that and have done it many times before. My question wasn't whether or not I can upload my own label. My question was whether or not there's a "hidden" eBay policy that requires me to use the same outgoing and return shipping method.

If a send a first class return label on something that initially shipped express- and a buyer complains- will eBay somehow fault me for not using a "required" shipping method?

[corvettestainless]

If it's a NAD return and ebay automatically provides a return label paid for by you, you don't get to approve or choose. If it's a remorse return and ebay provides a label for the customer to print (says 'ebay return label) they will be charged for the same way it came. Bad/Bad in both cases. 

I personally never do 'expedited' "beyond what is shown" as buyer always blames seller when USPS fails to deliver on time. USPS will give you a few $ for it, but they don't always make it to destination per shipping type. Since I'm not personally delivering, I don't rely on others to "keep a promise" which is what the buyer wants. 

[myboardid]

No. there is no policy that I have ever heard of that requires you to use the same class of mail for the return as you used for the original shipping.  I've sent quite a few return labels by printing them out and mailing them, and all I have had to do is enter the tracking number. 

However, when you go to give the refund after you get the item back, you would have to refund the amount of the express shipping from the original shipment.   

[gwzcomps]

I personally stopped offering any expedited services because of how eBay handles cases. I wouldn't recommend anyone offer overnight shipping services on eBay till they do something to change their policies. Now if anyone wants an overnight shipping option I tell them I will only do it if they have a FedEx account number they are willing to provide. No point losing a ton of money just because of a bad customer. Granted most of my items cost $100-250 to ship overnight.

[onlinecentral]

Any money passing through Paypal or Managed payments is subject to seller fees.
You should inflate the price of the expedited shipping by 16% percent or more to cover those fees.
If you get a return, you will lose more money because of the expedited shipping.
Some sellers with hard to find collectibles may have repeat buyers.
For me 99% percent of buyers are unique.
In fact, 99% percent of buyers that inquire about faster shipping get sticker when they find out the price.
It is a headache and a risk to cater to these once-in-a-lifetime lack of planning buyers.

[Anonymous]

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@myboardid wrote:

No. there is no policy that I have ever heard of that requires you to use the same class of mail for the return as you used for the original shipping.  I've sent quite a few return labels by printing them out and mailing them, and all I have had to do is enter the tracking number. 

However, when you go to give the refund after you get the item back, you would have to refund the amount of the express shipping from the original shipment.   

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If it's a SNAD, yes - but not if it's a remorse return and the shipping charge was separate.

[myboardid]

Way too many buyers are too tempted and will claim SNAD just so they don't have to pay for the return shipping. 

[Anonymous]

In the first post it said the seller offer free returns so if the buyer pays attention then it shouldn't be an issue unless the buyer is determined to get their original shipping back. With the cost of express shipping I can see that happening.