Uptick in returns sending back wrong items plus why do I have to pay return shipping?

[usedanything223]

I have seen a pretty massive uptick in returns over the course of the last 6 months. I had zero returns before then. These returns are from accounts with no rating or only a handful of ratings.  I usually offer free shipping. When they want to return it ebay makes me pay the return shipping as well. I don't get why that is? Also I have had people return stuff that wasnt the item I sent them. Its the exact model but it will have a broken button or a dent or scratch or be damaged. Ebay does nothing about this. It has gotten to the point where Im going to have to stop selling on here. My account might say 2017. But I have helped my Dad since 1999.

Why is there literally no seller protection? 

[gamersbaystore]

Not true at all. I offer free returns and the buyers still lie about the reasons for their returns anyway. I had a buyer come unglued over an $8 music CD last month. They claimed the item wasn't new as described, then proceeded to upload pictures in the case that literally show the label on the packaging. This is how comfortable these sociopaths are with lying.

I went off on him and reported him too. I have no tolerance people playing games, nor lying about the reasons for their return. Its not my fault they're brain dead and spent the last of their money on something they didn't need.

Its always scamming partial refund beggars trying to get something for free too, or clowns who ran out of beer money and now they want a return. They hope if they complain enough you'll just refund them and let them keep the item.

[joseh1445]

This is what I will do if I was in your shoes. Do it and follow through.

1. Provide buyer with a return shipping label (Out of your pocket for the return.

2. Ask the buyer to return item, and that you have provided return shipping label. If you don't get item back within 1 week or 2 (Its your choice the time frame.) That you will do the following.

3. File a Police Report for Theft.  Your city.  (And at the buyers Police Station by email/fax...)

4. File a Report for Theft with USPS

5. File a Report for Theft with Internet Crimes (FBI, investigates this cases.)

6.  Once you have the paperwork, contact ebay again and tell them that you have the paperwork.  THIS WILL OPEN ALOT OF DOORS.  

USPS Theft Link:
https://ehome.uspis.gov/fcsexternal/default.aspx

Internet Crimes department Link:
https://www.ic3.gov

Good luck on your selling journey. 

[kensgiftshop]

Better descriptions might help on returns.

[kensgiftshop]

---

@frugality_inc wrote:

Because eBay doesn't care. Sure you can use the 50% refund or in some rare cases get eBay to cover you.

Charge an inconvenience fee on your items to cover this type of stuff. Make everyone pay for it.

---

The OP doesn't qualify to refund 50%.

What is an inconvenience fee?

[kensgiftshop]

---

@usedanything223 wrote:

Im not sure why everyone is saying I don't allow returns. I do allow them. 

---

Every one of the listings I checked, say you don't accept returns.

[mtgraves7984]

@usedanything223 

1) TRS is Top Rated Seller status. 2) You'll need to bulk revise your listings to allow for Returns.

[replacementradios]

@reallynicestamps What I was referring to was a search to see if anyone was reporting an increase in returns lately... I've been around a while. Unfortunately I am quite familiar with returns filed with the wrong reason...

[replacementradios]

@ladyindecadence I agree with this. I've suggested it before, in fact. The buyer should be required to have a good-faith conversation with the seller (in eBay Messages) before initiating a return.

[usedanything223]

How would I do that? Im sorry im not very good with computers. Im talking about bulk revising them. I dont ever remember changing them. 

Something else that has started to happen. I will type in the tracking number. Mark it shipped with usps and ebay automatically changes it to fedex for some reason.  Oh and whenever I make a listing it will mark it that I accept offers. Even when I click no it automatically changes it so I do. I have to go back and change it again. 

[stainlessenginecovers]

Go to your 'My Ebay' (Seller Hub); look for the box marked 'LISTINGS' and then click ACTIVE items.

Then click 'all items' (box at the top) and then click 'Edit'

Then click 'All Items' (drop down from EDIT will appear)

Then click the box right above the first listing (that will click ALL ITEMS)

Then click the BULK EDIT button at the top

Drop down will show- click RETURN OPTIONS

Then change all to 'accept returns' (you can choose 'FREE RETURNS' or 'BUYER PAYS' with 14 Days or 30 Days.

[usedanything223]

Thank you guys. I really appreciate the help. I should have gotten on these forums sooner. I appreciate everyones help.

[johnson_junk_company]

The only option for returns now is 30 or 60 days, which is ludicrous. 

[johnson_junk_company]

Well, here's the thing. eBay looses money when customers return merchandise!!!!!!! If they were smart they would be doing everything possible to avoid having to issue actual refunds! This means taking a hard stance on questionable returns. Allowing sellers and customers to work things out before getting involved (which they encouraged before all the automation became standard) and making an effort to verify sellers AND buyers are legitimate!!! This means taking a stand against credit card companies who are complacent in fraud by allowing charge backs without legitimate proof of claims. No customer should be able to claim they don't recognize a charge on their account when eBay has tracking information to prove that a purchase was delivered to address of the card holder! 

[johnson_junk_company]

Nope!!! I provide excellent descriptions and returns have been higher than normal this year. Lots of "doesn't fit" reasons. Some legitimate I'm sure but a lot are just "buyers remorse". I've had buyers remorse but I've never sent anything back here on eBay. It's easier just to resell it! 

[varebelrose]

"The buyer should be required to have a good-faith conversation with the seller (in eBay Messages) before initiating a return."

I could not disagree more. To what end would this achieve? 9/10 times anyone contacting a seller after a sale is a partial-refund seeker. Force them to go through the existing MBG process and at least it will be recorded if they turn out to be serial return abusers.