Customers abuse of using return reason of "error in description or photos"

[cabinetgal]

Are there other seller's out there with the problem of buyers using incorrect return reasons?  I am continually having buyer's use "error in my description or photos" to return items, when there is no error, they have just purchased the incorrect item.  I do have a no return policy but I am willing to work with buyers to get what they need if they would just message me.  Ebay continues to side with these buyers and I am out original shipping as I have free shipping and the return shipping which is starting to cost me a small fortune.  Ebay representatives seem to read scripts when answering my phone calls and say it is just the cost of doing business ...raise your prices to cover it...and it does not happen that often. Really! The cost is not coming out their pocket and if it happens more than once it is a problem.   I try to keep my prices reasonable and why should everyone pay for the bad behavior of others?

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.  Thank you.  🙂

[pjcdn2005]

The problem isn't that uncommon, I read about it here a lot.

 I can understand in your category why you don't offer returns but keep in mind that a no returns policy may make buyers feels that they either have to lie about the reason for the return since you have the right to refuse remorse returns. No guarantees but you might find having a return policy with buyer paying for remorse returns, might prevent some of your buyers from saying the item is not as described and admitting that they made a mistake.

[bonjourami]

No suggestions, but my thought is most buyers have caught on to filing a snad so they dont have to pay return shipping.

[kensgiftshop]

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@cabinetgal wrote:

I do have a no return policy . 

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Buyers know if the seller doesn't take returns, they have to file an INAD to return the item and get their money back.

[cabinetgal]

Thank you.. I will look into how to accept returns with the buyer paying return shipping.. I did not know that was an option.. :O)

[cabinetgal]

But why does ebay let them do it and side with the buyer when it is clear there is no error in the ad?

[lex-talon]

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@cabinetgal wrote:
But why does ebay let them do it and side with the buyer when it is clear there is no error in the ad?

Because to eBay, the buyer is always right even when they're not.

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[ainpie-10]

Everyone knows by now all you have to do is say Not As Described and Bang you're out noting as a buyer!  I don't accept returns either and in some ways it has helped me, but there's still those that know what they can do to get their money back.  Categories is a big difference.  When I sell clothing there's always high risk, especially if it's something formal as it's something a buyer would probably only wear once, so I've had the Free Renters before.

[stainlessenginecovers]

Be

[kensgiftshop]

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@cabinetgal wrote:
But why does ebay let them do it and side with the buyer when it is clear there is no error in the ad?

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Because Ebay wants happy buyers so they'll come back.

[cabinetgal]

Kind of sad that ebay will bend over backwards to a buyer with no feedback returning a $20 item, instead of helping a seller with 3000+. of positive feedback who pays them hundreds of $ a month in fees.

[japan-treazures]

Because of the situation we are in, I have decided to take a break selling here as for me it isn't worth the frustration and my sanity.

Some of my friends, whom are sellers here are getting a lot of SNAD reports. One of them noticed it seems to more common with new buyers here that have feedback's of 20 or less. The others looked after hearing this and they to showed the same. I suggested to them to take a break, but, they say sales are going great for them and they didn't want to stop. 

So what they have decided to try and do is post in their auction description in larger text and in bold, any buyers with feedback of 20 or less please do not bid, I will not ship to you. 

I explained that this isn't a good business practice, but, they feel it is a different time on eBay and until we get through some of this or eBay tells them otherwise they are going to try this. 

I asked them what their plan was if someone under 20 feedback's bids and they said they would kindly message the buyer and explain their reasoning and ask them to retract their bid.  If the buyer doesn't do that within reason, they are going to try and cancel the bid under eBay's; you’re concerned the bid may be from a fraudulent buyer.

Here is the link to canceling bids:

https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/listings/selling-auctions/canceling-bid?id=4140&st=3&pos=1&query=C...

This will be interesting to see how it plays out. I am glad I am not having to try this one!

I know this isn't a good business practice, but, I thought I would share to show how crazy selling on here has gotten. 

I will try to keep everyone posted on how this is working or not.

[missyscarlett]

Had a return today. Buyer purchased vintage jeans distressed worn pockets and various rips. Mentioned great for DIY projects or crafting. Multiple photos displayed of the worn areas described. Even closeup showing holes in back & front pockets. Buyer claimed INAD and said there were holes in back pockets. WTfreak?? Yes there are ~as I mentioned in description.... SMH.
I believe the returns are from people who are shopping on their phones and can't or don't want to see the detailed pictures on the tiny screen.
I've been selling since 1999 and have only had 4 items total returned and all within the last year....I am forced to give a refund otherwise I am penalized if I don't. Its a headache for sure, but i I refund before the item escalates so ebay will credit my listing fees.
Can't correct their bad behavior, but I add them to my blocked bidders list.

[mysalonsavings]

To buyers that is the same as a no return policy. They will file as a INAD every time so they do not have to pay shipping. They want the seller to eat the cost of return shipping. I did the same thing as you. I have just in last couple of days changed to free returns because every return is filed as INAD even after buyers emailing and saying the mistake is theirs. It is the way Ebay has returned n.v s set up. Then when the buyer returns for INAD you get a defect so that Ebay can raise your selling fees. It is their system.

[mysalonsavings]

Try thousands a month in fee. My fees so far for April is over 3000. Doesn't matter I have 2 right now that are fake INADS. I just deleted a few thousand listings preparing to close my store the end of July when we are all forced into managed payments.