Simply speechless, free returns......

[collectfest]

I have to say, I am simply amazed!!!

1st quick history. I am watching an item on my watch history. Thats all the history you need.

I just got an eBay email that is encouraging ME as the BUYER to make the purchase, IN BOLD GREEN PRINT, shows that the sellers accept free return shipping. Really, encourage me to buy because I can willy nilly return it.  

I've never received one of these before. Thought some sellers would want to know. We all know we have to take returns if an item not as describe but to encourage this is just amazing to me.

[bashort]

free returns is pretty much the industry standard now.

I offer free returns on most items and I do not really see a lot of returns.

all else being equal I would buy from a "free return" seller, not because I plan on returning the item but if I do need to I know it is simply a couple clicks, print and ship back, no hassle.

[collectfest]

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@bashort wrote:

free returns is pretty much the industry standard now.

I offer free returns on most items and I do not really see a lot of returns.

all else being equal I would buy from a "free return" seller, not because I plan on returning the item but if I do need to I know it is simply a couple clicks, print and ship back, no hassle.

---

Returns certainly is a hassle to this sellers. Your point is Not my point. To encourage me to buy because they simply have free returns is bad business plan and awful policy.

The item is a superb item. How about sending an email that states not another item like this is on eBay or has been for 3 months.

Again, I am posting this to sellers, if a seller cares what my post implies, fine, if not fine.

As a buyer and as a seller this email was desperate, bad business and lazy marketing. 

[wrong66]

I don't think I've ever looked to see what a seller's return policy is. 

[donsdetour]

That the best thing for you to buy: its free returns you see: its the best option for you by eBay understanding;  it seems... Does not mater You want this purchase it You want this purchase it  .......

Well eBay does make its money on the sell...

Free returns does not mean it is the best purchase for you at all in the real world.

On eBay as a seller one knows that no returns does not equal not refunds...

[mandisattictoyz]

Ya starting in one month Walmart told me I have to accept free return no matter the reason and it’s on me to pay for the return shipping, no ifs, ands, or buts.

[collectfest]

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@wrong66 wrote:

I don't think I've ever looked to see what a seller's return policy is. 

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So? If my comments don't apply, why comment, whats your motive?

[varebelrose]

I would think that if a seller opted to use the "Free Return" policy, that they would want it advertised, to entice more sales. I  fail to see what is surprising about this.

[jjminca]

I understand what the OP is saying and completely agree.  If eBay is going to go through the effort of creating these one off promotions, at least highlight something that is if not more meaningful, more interesting than a return policy basically dictated by eBay.  

[stainlessenginecovers]

Free Returns is a thing that most big box retailers have offered for over a decade. Shoes, Clothes especially.

I think eBay is just pushing that button.

Obviously it doesn't work for all items, especially 'used' items and that is why eBay still has the option for sellers to list with 'doesn't accept returns' (although we know that's for remorse only)

[flyingmvp]

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@collectfest wrote:

---

@bashort wrote:

free returns is pretty much the industry standard now.

I offer free returns on most items and I do not really see a lot of returns.

all else being equal I would buy from a "free return" seller, not because I plan on returning the item but if I do need to I know it is simply a couple clicks, print and ship back, no hassle.

---

Returns certainly is a hassle to this sellers. Your point is Not my point. To encourage me to buy because they simply have free returns is bad business plan and awful policy.

The item is a superb item. How about sending an email that states not another item like this is on eBay or has been for 3 months.

Again, I am posting this to sellers, if a seller cares what my post implies, fine, if not fine.

As a buyer and as a seller this email was desperate, bad business and lazy marketing. 

---

The venue makes profit whether you lose or not, since they are focused on short term profits the lazy marketing method based on sellers free returns model makes sense. 

[katzrul15]

@collectfest 

We stopped free returns -

Felt like rent-a-center and the item was always open/used, not new/sealed as it was when shipped/delivered.

Since we changed to Buyer pays/30 days.....

The crazy returns just stopped!

Of course they advertise it -

Buy it, use it for a while....return it for free!  No risk, no fuss, no muss!!  Lol

[printpeople]

As a seller and buyer, the thing I don’t like is eBay sending emails for weeks saying that I can return it because the seller offers free returns.  That means I could use it for what I needed it for, and simply return because I don’t need it anymore (which I personally would never do)… but I do know some people that I think would do that.

[titipeo]

I'm puzzled why you are surprised at such thing. Retail market has been slowly shifting towards this for some time. The pandemic really accentuated it, as mot B&M where struggling with the Stay At Home orders. Lots of on-line retailers have thrived and perfected their return policies. Yes, its almost like a rent-a-center when it comes to on-line selling, but it is here to stay, like it or not.

I know several individuals that buy dresses, wear them to some event without removing the tag, and then return them for full credit. SMH, what can I say. Some big retailers have a very flexible return policy and they even encourage you get more until you get the one you wants. Sucks for the small time seller, as now they could be stuck with used merchandise, but its the cost to pay i suppose. 

[printpeople]

If you time it right, you can have a new set of China every month, borrow every tool you need, have your vacation wardrobe, or a camping weekend, all on eBay sellers money.  I don’t know what eBays current limit is on how many items a person can return, or if there are a certain amount per ID, but I’m sure the people that return everything know the numbers.