Am I forced to pay a restocking fee on a return if it wasn't specfied in the listing?

[ebuyer2501]

I recently bought a computer monitor on ebay and I didn't like it so I started a return.  The seller accepted my return but wants to charge me a 30% restocking fee.  The listing did not mention any restocking fee ANYWHERE in the listing.  It just said....

Return policy
After receiving the item, contact seller within
Refund will be given as
Return shipping
30 days
Money back
Seller pays for return shipping

Do I pay this fee or should I contact ebay?  The monitor is in great condition.  I used it for less than a hour and only to test it.  If the seller didn't specify that they would charge a fee for returns.  I'm perfectly willing to pay return shipping.  I'd even be willing to pay a small restocking fee (10%-15%) but 30% is outrageous.  Maybe I should escalate this to ebay?  

[fern*wood]

Restocking fees are no longer allowed.  When they were, they had to be in the listing.   I definitely wouldn't pay them anything resembling an extra fee.  If they permit returns, then they must accept your return.  Who pays the shipping should be clarified in the listing also.

[myangelandmyprincess]

The seller offers free returns which means shipping both ways so 30% might not be unreasonable for covering original and return shipping.  However it really doesn't matter because it's not allowed for the seller to do that.  A seller in free returns can deduct a percentage from the refund but my understanding that is meant for if the item isn't returned in the same condition.  If the seller tries to do that I also believe there is a way to appeal to eBay for a full refund 

[couldabeenworse]

As myangel stated, the seller is allowed to attempt to deduct part of the refund if the item is returned in a condition other than it was received - however, this process is meant to reimburse for lost value, and is specifically not allowed to be used for a "restocking fee".

If you feel it is unjustified, you are supposed to be able to dispute it through the dispute console.  Otherwise, I'm sure you can get it reversed witha phone call to eBAY.

[orangehound]

As others have said, you can return the item, and restocking fees are not allowed.

If the buyer does not do a full refund (and I suspect that they will not), then you need to call eBay to report this seller as not following the guidelines of the free return policy.  Specifically point out the eBay message (and it must be an eBay message) where the seller said that they will charge a 30% restocking fee.

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By the way, I am both sympathetic to the seller, and a little annoyed at this seller.  I am sympathetic because all sellers know that shipping is expensive, and free-returns are also very expensive - for large items like a monitor, I would say prohibitively expensive.  So, I can appreciate that a seller feels completely justified in charging a restocking fee.  But, I am also annoyed because any volume seller on eBay knows that they cannot charge restocking fees any longer ... and for this seller to try to get a boost in sales conversions with "Free returns ... but surprise!  I'll secretly charge you a 30% restocking fee" is an unfair advantage over other sellers who are following eBay's policies.

[myangelandmyprincess]

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@orangehound wrote:

As others have said, you can return the item, and restocking fees are not allowed.

If the buyer does not do a full refund (and I suspect that they will not), then you need to call eBay to report this seller as not following the guidelines of the free return policy.  Specifically point out the eBay message (and it must be an eBay message) where the seller said that they will charge a 30% restocking fee.

===

By the way, I am both sympathetic to the seller, and a little annoyed at this seller.  I am sympathetic because all sellers know that shipping is expensive, and free-returns are also very expensive - for large items like a monitor, I would say prohibitively expensive.  So, I can appreciate that a seller feels completely justified in charging a restocking fee.  But, I am also annoyed because any volume seller on eBay knows that they cannot charge restocking fees any longer ... and for this seller to try to get a boost in sales conversions with "Free returns ... but surprise!  I'll secretly charge you a 30% restocking fee" is an unfair advantage over other sellers who are following eBay's policies.

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These were my thoughts exactly 

[monster-deals]

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Restocking fees, back when allowed, were capped at 20%.

[kim_y_buran]

If the listing specified free returns the seller has a right to issue partial refund.  I mean, not to sound harsh, but it's not seller's fault that you did not do you research, bought a monitor without ever seeing it and then decided you "don't like it".

[orangehound]

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@kim_y_buran wrote:

If the listing specified free returns the seller has a right to issue partial refund.  I mean, not to sound harsh, but it's not seller's fault that you did not do you research, bought a monitor without ever seeing it and then decided you "don't like it".

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That is wrong on two counts.

First, free returns are absolutely valid for "return it for any reason, even if you don't like it".  There are no restrictions as to the reason that someone can exercise a return.

Second, the seller ONLY has the right to issue a partial refund if the item is returned in a condition other than what was shipped out.  If the buyer returns the item in the same condition, then eBay's policy is that the buyer does a full refund.

[fern*wood]

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@kim_y_buran wrote:

If the listing specified free returns the seller has a right to issue partial refund.  I mean, not to sound harsh, but it's not seller's fault that you did not do you research, bought a monitor without ever seeing it and then decided you "don't like it".

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This information is not correct and should not be passed on.

@kim_y_buran

[kim_y_buran]

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@fern*wood wrote:

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@kim_y_buran wrote:

If the listing specified free returns the seller has a right to issue partial refund.  I mean, not to sound harsh, but it's not seller's fault that you did not do you research, bought a monitor without ever seeing it and then decided you "don't like it".

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This information is not correct and should not be passed on.

@kim_y_buran

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I quote (emphasis mine):

"Starting June 1, 2018, when you offer free returns, you'll have greater control to manage your business, and you can decide to issue partial refunds to buyers. For example, if a buyer uses or damages an item and returns it, you can decide to issue a partial refund and we'll take it from there. If a buyer escalates a case, we'll take care of it for you so you can focus on your business. Plus, we'll protect your reputation from any negative feedback."

So, tell me again - how is my info not correct?

[mycarolinavintage]

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@ebuyer2501 wrote:

I recently bought a computer monitor on ebay and I didn't like it so I started a return.  The seller accepted my return but wants to charge me a 30% restocking fee.  The listing did not mention any restocking fee ANYWHERE in the listing.  It just said....

Return policy
After receiving the item, contact seller within
Refund will be given as
Return shipping
30 days
Money back
Seller pays for return shipping

Do I pay this fee or should I contact ebay?  The monitor is in great condition.  I used it for less than a hour and only to test it.  If the seller didn't specify that they would charge a fee for returns.  I'm perfectly willing to pay return shipping.  I'd even be willing to pay a small restocking fee (10%-15%) but 30% is outrageous.  Maybe I should escalate this to ebay?  

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All else considered, I hope the seller learned a lesson here and it isn't only about the re-stocking fee. I hope they learned to stop offering free returns regardless of the reason. Taking advantage of that, as a buyer, is not something I would do. But maybe that's just me.

..........................................................

energy flows where attention goes

[kim_y_buran]

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@orangehound wrote:

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@kim_y_buran wrote:

If the listing specified free returns the seller has a right to issue partial refund.  I mean, not to sound harsh, but it's not seller's fault that you did not do you research, bought a monitor without ever seeing it and then decided you "don't like it".

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That is wrong on two counts.

First, free returns are absolutely valid for "return it for any reason, even if you don't like it".  There are no restrictions as to the reason that someone can exercise a return.

Second, the seller ONLY has the right to issue a partial refund if the item is returned in a condition other than what was shipped out.  If the buyer returns the item in the same condition, then eBay's policy is that the buyer does a full refund.

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1.  I was talking about not the validity of a return, but about the morality of "Ah, whatevs, it's gonna cost me nothing" purchases.

2. If this particular monitor was sold as new, it can now be only relisted as used.  That is a different condition.

[myangelandmyprincess]

I'm going to disagree that trying something for an hour would make it qualify for a partial refund and would still consider that abuse of the system.  Depending on the category it might not even be eligble for the seller to do a partial refund.  according to the update it was only certain categories? 

Sellers will also be able to issue a partial refund for all returns where the item is returned used or damaged in select categories, including Business & Industrial, Parts & Accessories, Collectibles & Art, Cameras & Photo, Medical, Mobility & Disability Equipment, Home Improvement, Furniture, Musical Instruments & Gear, and Yard, Garden & Outdoor.

[orangehound]

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@kim_y_buran wrote:

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@orangehound wrote:

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@kim_y_buran wrote:

If the listing specified free returns the seller has a right to issue partial refund.  I mean, not to sound harsh, but it's not seller's fault that you did not do you research, bought a monitor without ever seeing it and then decided you "don't like it".

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That is wrong on two counts.

First, free returns are absolutely valid for "return it for any reason, even if you don't like it".  There are no restrictions as to the reason that someone can exercise a return.

Second, the seller ONLY has the right to issue a partial refund if the item is returned in a condition other than what was shipped out.  If the buyer returns the item in the same condition, then eBay's policy is that the buyer does a full refund.

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1.  I was talking about not the validity of a return, but about the morality of "Ah, whatevs, it's gonna cost me nothing" purchases.

2. If this particular monitor was sold as new, it can now be only relisted as used.  That is a different condition.

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1.   It is not a morality issue if the seller specifically offers the benefit of free return shipping ... no different than when a grocery store offers me free food samples when I'm hungry.   I can take a free sample without feeling guilt, simply because (like free return shipping) it is a cost the seller is incurring as an enticement to get me to buy their product.  Marketing 101 ... people love free stuff.

2.  Yes, a sealed item that has been opened but is in otherwise excellent condition is eligible for a 5-10% deduction according to eBay's Refund Deduction Guidelines Table ... 5% is a stupid thing to do, and 10% is basically meaningless.  Why?  Because eBay does not refund Final Value Fees when a seller does a partial refund.  So, if you refund 5%, you actually lose 4-5% ... and if you refund 10%, you pretty much break even.