Ebays Automatic Return Process?

[darsdandydeals]

First point... I received a message from eBay that a return had been started on an item but “as per ebays policy, the return had automatically been approved, and the buyer was asked to send the item back”. I have searched and searched for this policy but can’t seem to find it. My understanding is that when a return is started the seller has three days to resolve the problem by asking buyer to send item back and sending buyer a return label or allowing buyer to keep item and issuing a refund etc. The automatic approval in my return policies is not activated. Status is “off”. Why would ebay automatically approve the return and ask buyer to send item back? Especially when I will have to pay return shipping according to ebay. I can’t even find out if a return label was issued or if buyer is just going to take to p.o. and who knows how much that will cost me. This isn’t fair to seller. Am I wrong in feeling that way?

Second point... Buyer started return process for “item defective or didn’t work”. Smelled of cigarette smoke. The item was a over jacket or such. It was a pre-owned item, dry clean only. I did accept returns since I know that if I don’t then eBay will make me accept returns anyway. My point is that in my description it clearly states that “I cannot say with certainty that item comes from a smoke free environment. I launder items that can be. I do not dry clean”. Is this enough evidence to ask ebay to step in? Buyer was given information in order to make a decision on whether to purchase this item, and chose to purchase it, knowing it possibly could be from a smoking environment. I do not smoke but thrifting from different places, I cannot guarantee where they come from. I don’t mind the return but I don’t feel responsible for the return shipping since buyer was given the information. My point is that ebay never gave me any kind of chance to handle my own business, and if they are going to side automatically with buyer without even looking at listing or anything, then I think that sucks!  Any suggestions or comments appreciated.

[jklfindings · Accepted solution]

Returns started for not as described are automatically accepted.  It's been that way for close to a year I believe.  If you fight it, you'll lose.  Just take the return, when you get it back refund.  Some people are very particular about smoke smells, so don't be vague in your listing.  If it might smell like smoke, just go ahead and say so.  Heck even if you had said "WARNING ITEM SMELLS HEAVILY OF SMOKE" in your listing, the buyer could still open a case and get a free shipping label.   Is it fair?  No, not all the time, but it is the policy.

[be_4101]

Immediate label either way:

[darsdandydeals]

But what happens to the part about allowing us to work it out with buyer? The option to send a pre-paid return label isn’t there. I guess ebay takes care of it all then? In other words...we must abide by ebays policies, but our policies that eBay forces us to put in our listings are not enforceable to buyers. Do you know by chance where I could find ebays automatic return policy at? The one that skips the three day work it out with your buyer. I’m missing it somehow. Thanks

[pjcdn2005]

If you set up your return preferences to require an RMA number then you should be able to communicate with your buyer before the return label is sent.