Automatic return label where return service shipping is different than sent?

[Anonymous]

I sold an item and sent it out as Priority mail. The buyer requested a return and there was not an option to send a return label. I assumed it was automatic since I offer 30-day returns and the buyer chose defective or not working as the reason for the request (tested fine at the time of sale). There was already a tracking number showing on the return details and the buyer only needed to ship it. Asking the buyer for pics resulted in no pics but they claim the shipping box and packaging was intact.

However, when USPS accepted the supposed item today and, though listed in the information as "Return Service," it's coming back to me as First-Class Mail instead of the originally used Priority Mail (NOT insured on the return and this is a more valuable item for its size). Why and How?

I show NO CHARGE for this return shipping label in my account summary either. 

Any info on why a buyer would and could not only pay for but change the return shipping method would be appreciated--or advice since it doesn't seem an insurance claim might be valid with them automatically sending it back to me uninsured, sans pics, and/or missing the original packing for inspection. 

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

So I received the return of this item and have just a couple FYIs for other sellers, if I may, from the experience:

• You may want to reconsider an automated return policy. I assumed a return label, sent with an automatic setup of a return policy, would be as originally shipped. This is NOT the case. I received my originally sent Priority shipping box (OD:  12.25 x 2.875 x 13.6875) with a return eBay service label attached as First-Class (which is clearly outside USPS requirements for First-Class Mail). Sure, it saved me money, but if it was a Faberge egg which was damaged in shipping, and only a remorse buy offering a return for any reason, insurance and a claim no longer would apply. My return policy is no longer set up to be automatic.
• Assume an eEay return label may have been used, though it may take days to be charged to your account. When the buyer opened the return, he/she was automatically sent a return label per my automated return policy. The shipping info was originally sent to USPS on March 5th but it wasn't until today, March 9th, that the "Return Shipping Fee" showed up in my account summary, BACKDATED to March 7th. It was in USPS possession March 6th and scanned a minimum of 3 times before this backdated date... the 4th time on March 7th (11 scans total until delivered).

Anyway, the return label deal is what caused all my concerns as a seller--worry for nothing that I may be being scammed. Just wanted to put this out there in case another is sweating behind an 8-ball, or putting the cart before the horse, on his/her own sale. Ha-ha. 

Long story short, I've yet to test the product but it looks to be the original one sent with all the packaging so am willing to give the benefit of the doubt to my buyer. I'll resell if not faulty, assuming user error, and move on (since I'm pretty sure the USPS Priority insurance invalid since returned with a lesser service, no pics, etc.)

I appreciate all your advice and suggestions... especially, lightlily_arts (who gave me options when I thought I had none).

[Anonymous]

Lesson learned. The eBay verbiage on return shipping for sellers is a bit misleading.

Though they say, "Return shipping labels don’t include insurance. If you want return shipping to be insured, see our section on alternative return shipping options," they also say, "If the package meets USPS size requirements, you can purchase a return shipping label through the return request and send it to your buyer. They can then print the label and use it to send the item back to you." And, if set up to be an automated return, there is no option to purchase your own... one automatically sent to the buyer that may differ from what was first purchased.

Knowing the size of the package, it isn't wrong for a seller to assume it would be returned under Priority if too large and/or heavy for First-Class service. I, honestly, assumed they meant insurance over what Priority service offers. No where on the 'return shipping for sellers' page does it note that return service is not size or class based but a contract between eBay and USPS.

[lightlily_arts]

If  the product is not defective or damaged then it was actually a remorse return, and the buyer abused eBay's Money Back Guarantee to avoid having to pay for return shipping, and needs to be reported.