eBay

collectfest · ‎06-08-2022

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.

ckimodog · ‎06-08-2022

@katzrul15

Yesterday there was a poster from the UK that posted that they can no longer not accept returns. There was no ability to change it. Coming soon to US sellers...I wouldn't be surprised.

printpeople · ‎06-08-2022

Accepting returns is one thing, free returns is another. Many items now cost more to ship than the asking price on them.

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luckythewinner · ‎06-08-2022

@collectfest wrote:
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.

eBay is encouraging you to buy it because you are watching it, not because you can "willy nilly return it".

collectfest · ‎06-08-2022

@varebelrose wrote:
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.

As a seller who would advertise free returns, I would not wanted advertised as to the reason to buy my item.

collectfest · ‎06-08-2022

@jjminca wrote:
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.

Thank you for actually reading my post.

collectfest · ‎06-08-2022

@stainlessenginecovers wrote:
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)

Agreed, you make a lot of sense. I should add I am talking about vintage antique items.

collectfest · ‎06-08-2022

@flyingmvp wrote:
@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.

LOL, yes, you're most likely, sadly, correct.

collectfest · ‎06-08-2022

@printpeople wrote:
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.

Agreed. That was sorta where I was going with my post. I just cannot believe its good for sellers, and just giving me an excuse to be a lazy buyer.

dolcetreasures · ‎06-08-2022

What industry is that?

sextons-sweet-deals · ‎06-08-2022

curious if the O.P. is mixing up eBay messages?

I will get the routine message about improving my listings which starts with "offer one day shipping" and "free returns".

same day shipping or even next day shipping does not fit my schedule and I'm not going to run to the post office every day multiple times with the current gas prices and never will.

I put a lot of effort into my listings and offering free 30 day returns is just a joke. Most sellers never receive the item back (fake tracking to another location) or it's an empty box, a different item, or the item they owned that was broke and trying to replace for free.

Depending on the item, the buyer should be pleased withing 3 to 5 days at most. They should never have the option to wait 30 days.

printpeople · ‎06-08-2022

I forgot to mention that I get these emails for weeks after I actually have the item… and the only point to them is that I can return the item. That’s just not right.

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collectfest · ‎06-08-2022

@titipeo wrote:
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.

I'm puzzled, why you wouldn't be surprised that I am speechless. Antique dealers are not big box sellers and the brick and mortar antique shops are usually no returns. Furthermore, most high end auction houses do not take returns without serious cause. If they want vintage items gone from eBay just say so.

The argument that the W-marts, T-gets etc accept any return has ZERO to do with my post. The email sent to me ENCOURAGES returns. BAD BUSINESS.

eBay still advertises selling collectables and antiques the last I check.

collectfest · ‎06-08-2022

@printpeople wrote:
Accepting returns is one thing, free returns is another. Many items now cost more to ship than the asking price on them.

A very good point.

collectfest · ‎06-08-2022

@luckythewinner wrote:
@collectfest wrote:
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.
eBay is encouraging you to buy it because you are watching it, not because you can "willy nilly return it".

Not how I read the email and since I am the customer eBay wants to motivate to buy, my interpretation of the email is what's important not what YOU think I should interpret the email to mean. The FACT is you can willy nilly return it.

Right? Yes, I feel I can test drive whatever I want, no skin in the game. You telling me how to think has zero impact on me.

collectfest · ‎06-08-2022

@sextons-sweet-deals wrote:
curious if the O.P. is mixing up eBay messages?

I will get the routine message about improving my listings which starts with "offer one day shipping" and "free returns".

same day shipping or even next day shipping does not fit my schedule and I'm not going to run to the post office every day multiple times with the current gas prices and never will.

I put a lot of effort into my listings and offering free 30 day returns is just a joke. Most sellers never receive the item back (fake tracking to another location) or it's an empty box, a different item, or the item they owned that was broke and trying to replace for free.

Depending on the item, the buyer should be pleased withing 3 to 5 days at most. They should never have the option to wait 30 days.

Good point but no.

Its a watch item, an antique. The email is a sales pitch, letting me know to buy and informing me in BOLD GREEN font that there is free return. CLEARLY, to my simple mind, hey, just buy, don't worry, all is well, if you change your mind, you can return it for free....

Sorry about the run on sentence. LOL