eBay

no_zero369 · ‎02-24-2021

OK, I am getting frustrated for Sellers that I see posting in increasing numbers these days. So many sellers still cling to the "no returns" policy. That is a bad move and dangerous from an economic stand point.

Just a suggestion as we frequently see complaints from sellers with "no returns" policies who get run over by the Money Back Guarantee (MBG) - Sellers could change that to "30-day returns, Buyer pays the return shipping." The two are essentially the same in practical application.

Per the MBG, a 'no returns' policy only "works" in the favor of a seller when the buyer selects a reason for the return that eBay considers to be a "remorse" reason. But a seller has a customer that is unhappy to start with and THEN the seller refuses them a return which only makes them more angry? Then the buyer escalate things outside of eBay and that can be worse. If you can get the buyer to pay return shipping, you are ahead of the game!

Refusing a return is generally a bad stance from a customer service perspective. Oh I suspect most sellers think they have great customer service, but refusing a return?

Problem is buyers are savvy enough to avoid those remorse reasons and usually select reasons that fall under the 'not as described' (NAD) category: damaged, not authentic, etc. When that happens the seller is REQUIRED, per the MBG, to pay for return shipping AND issue a full refund.

We see sellers that have been around for 20+ years who get caught by this! Oh they scream and holler that the item wasn't damaged, buyer can't/won't prove what they claim or that they are OFFENDED that someone would call them a liar, because the item was authentic. They fight, they refuse to issue the return label. They get run over by the MBG - eBay often takes one look at their refusal and their 'no returns' policy and issues the buyer a full refund from the sellers funds and does not require the buyer to return the item. Thus the seller experiences a MAXIMUM LOSS! - item & the money.

I know this because I was that seller once! Oh yeah, I have the tire tracks on my back as proof of getting run over by the MBG. Eventually, I learned to accept that returns are just part of the retail selling experience. After I accepted this I also figured out that when a return 'happens' that the seller was going to lose money and how much money I lost depended on what actions I take or didn't take. So this became a 'business problem', something to solve - how to manage the risk. It also meant I had to change my thinking and not take returns personally - just a problem looking for a solution.

So eventually I was able to get a plan in place, thanks to the posters here. This did a few things for me - took away the shock of returns as now I had a plan in place and knew what to do - just work the plan! Next I learned to have financial backing so that the 'economic shock' of returns was eliminated.

I can elucidate further on 'the plan' if anyone so desires, but I've spent my nickel's worth already.

So why have a 'no returns' policy? Just accept returns are part of retail selling and work that into your business plan. Learn to manage the risk rather than setting yourself up to give away 'free stuff.'

inhawaii · ‎02-24-2021

Same thing with RESTOCKING FEES. I see so many listings with a restocking fee on all returns.

Smooth Operator - Sade

annadryl · ‎02-24-2021

I think it's just human nature. It's tempting for some to think "I can unload my stuff on the internet, get money, then no longer be responsible for that stuff. My problem no more".

It's especially frustrating when you see these sellers with a lot of as-is or untested items. Some people have the notion that selling online is a legal and anonymous path for making money for nothing.

donsdetour · ‎02-24-2021

to the title:

It cuts down on some of the garbage that goes on: but not all of it.

brwil85 · ‎02-24-2021

You put "no returns" just to try to discourage people from renting your items.

In March I will be able to get a free upgrade from my cell phone carrier, I just dropped my phone in the toilet and it will cost $300 to fix. Lets just buy one on eBay and then return it after 30 days.

Let them rent from you. I am happy to lose this type of customer. Everyone knows they can return items if they are not as described.

gwzcomps · ‎02-24-2021

@brwil85 wrote:
You put "no returns" just to try to prevent people from renting your items.

In March I will be able to get a free upgrade from my cell phone carrier, I just dropped my phone in the toilet and it will cost $300 to fix. Lets just buy one on eBay and then return it after 30 days.

Someone who is gonna do what you suggest isn't going to be deterred by no returns.

pburn · ‎02-24-2021

@no_zero369 wrote:
So why have a 'no returns' policy?

Because every eBay seller gets to run his/her business the way s/he chooses?

Well, at least in regard to a return policy--for now . . .

brwil85 · ‎02-24-2021

If you are planning to return something, do you buy it from the seller with "free 30 day returns" or the seller with "no returns"

Of course they can do this. If you use paypal you could buy skis in November and return them in May (item not as described: not as fast as they advertised). Then buy a kayak in May and return it in November (item not as described: weight limit isn't accurate).

maros9416 · ‎02-24-2021

You are correct. Attentive service and willingness to do anything it takes to satisfy the customer is the backbone secret to longevity in business. Especially when it's your fault! The same sellers who gripe about returns are the same who are upset with paying 10-15% commission and are stuck on all of the minor things, without ever seeing the forest from the trees. The fact is that you will have the same amount of returns either way ( accepting or not accepting )...I just now issued a refund for a wallet as the buyer stated ' too small ' for his application. I sent out the free return label instantly upon seeing the request, he sent it, and now I refunded him in full promptly with a kind note. I've sold probably 30 wallets in the past few weeks. Thankfully they have been popular. This one return means nothing to me, after reaping the benefits of of selling all of the others. Now, eBay will reward me for this because not only do I have proof of sales, but proof of prompt returns without any disputes or unsettled cases. This is just as important to eBay...I understand about sellers not wanting to get duped or an item switched with a return, but when it's your fault or it simply doesn't fit or work for the buyer and you get it back in the same condition you sent it, you can't tell the customer ' you're stuck with it ' it will never work.

brwil85 · ‎02-24-2021

You are selling flea market stuff. Nobody rents this type of stuff. The only reason someone would return these kind of things is because they were unhappy or it wasn't what they expected.

Try that with some iPhones.

mtgraves7984 · ‎02-24-2021

I started (decades ago) with a No Returns policy. Luckily, it worked for me way back then.

Now, I use a 30-Day (buyer paid) Return policy. Admittedly, it's only to add another layer of protection for the odd Return that may come back to me damaged/destroyed/de-valued. We get so few protections, it just makes sense.

sextons-sweet-deals · ‎02-24-2021

why is the O.P. even posting when they have nothing listed?

I still select no returns. Not saying it protects me, but I give as much detail as I can in each listing. I expect the shopper / buyer to ask questions if they have concerns before buying or bidding!

I keep reading posts where the eBay App does not fully function like a desktop or laptop computer. This is where some who think their cell phone can do anything and are totally wrong. Some probably drunk buy on their cell phone which is not the best move and then regret and use an alternate excuse for return.

fern*wood · ‎02-24-2021

@sextons-sweet-deals wrote:
why is the O.P. even posting when they have nothing listed?

I still select no returns. Not saying it protects me, but I give as much detail as I can in each listing. I expect the shopper / buyer to ask questions if they have concerns before buying or bidding!

I keep reading posts where the eBay App does not fully function like a desktop or laptop computer. This is where some who think their cell phone can do anything and are totally wrong. Some probably drunk buy on their cell phone which is not the best move and then regret and use an alternate excuse for return.

Many use posting IDs on this board. You have no idea of their selling experience other than the knowledge offered in the posts themselves.

m_pthisandthat · ‎02-24-2021

Sorry to disagree with you I do not think a no return policy is correct for everyone. I feel that this decision is predominately product driven. What you are selling? Does much to drive this decision. I sell almost exclusively collectibles with 80 % being vintage glass. I offer no returns for the folowing reasons. First I attempt to present the product with a complete and accurate description, supplying a minumum ot 10 photgraphs. The idea to force the buyer to read the description and really look at the lisitng. MOST important of all the attempt to discourage the idea that my items could be rented for a special event. I respect your opinion yet to state the return policy that you have chosen should be how everyone should run their business is over stepping on your behalf. The very fact that we operate in a free marketplace means everyone can chose to run their business as they see fit.

sextons-sweet-deals · ‎02-24-2021

I click on the O.P. and shows no active listings. been a member for just 2+ years. Are we just getting to a point that people like operating under multiple I.D.'s and post under an account that has nothing?

I have better things to do and I believe in Karma and doing the right thing.

Help me understand. I can create a posting I.D. that is not the same as my selling I.D.? If so, why?