As a Seller - Including Automatic Return Label In Package, RMA's and Automatically Accepting Returns

[nomatchingshoes]

As a relatively new seller I have a few questions about Return Policies and this forum to date has been a wonderful source of guidance and good information. Here are my questions:

1) Is it a good idea to include an eBay purchased Return Shipping Label if I automatically accept returns and at what point does eBay charge for that label?

2) When choosing to automatically accept returns, is it wise to obtain an RMA number first and if yes, where is the option to obtain the RMA number? (RMA = Return Authorization Number/Return Merchandise Authorization)

3) If I choose to automatically accept returns, does the buyer automatically have the same "Reason For Return" options presented to them or do I just instruct them to contact me directly to advise they are returning the item?

I tried reading all the eBay articles on Returns and Shipping/Labels and could not extrapolate this information so any help is always greatly appreciated.  

[azaz_8302]

You cannot buy USPS Return Service labels to include in your packages: They are issued by eBay after a return is started. The label is not billed until it is first scanned.

While eBay may immediately accept a return on behalf of the seller, requiring an RMA number interrupts the return for up to 2 days for the seller to issue a return label, or to close the return without requiring a return.

The buyer gets the same list of return reasons regardless.

[onlinecentral]

Q1a) Is it a good idea to include an eBay purchased Return Shipping Label?
A1a) My rate of returns is 1.4% percent, so I would not recommend including them. eBay does not offer the option to print a return label before a return case is filed.

Q1b) At what point does eBay charge for that label?
A1b) When the label is first scanned.

Q2) When choosing to automatically accept returns, is it wise to obtain an RMA number first?
A2) eBay assigns a 10 digit RMA number when the Return Request is filed.

Q3) If I choose to automatically accept returns … buyer contact me?
A3) The buyer has about ten choices. That choice determines who pays for the return shipping. The minority of buyers are dishonest or incompetent and will select a reason that will let them avoid paying the return shipping. Buyers rarely contact me before filing a return request.

[nomatchingshoes]

Thank you for your quick and very detailed response. It was very helpful and much appreciated  ;~)