Items with high return rates?

[scholrep-0]

What Ebay items have a higher return rate? (Your opinion)

[liawrig.nq8rdwqa3]

I can only speak for my experiences.  Mainly appliances & electronics, anything that runs by electricity.  For example,

#1 - I sold a Shaving lather machine.  Open box, wrapped in plastic.  When I sourced it, I looked inside and saw there was a cord, I hooked it up and it turned on.  No problem; right?  When I sold it, the buyer complained that it didn't come with instructions and he didn't know how to operate it.  The box stated "does not come with canistser" so the buyer had to have his own canister.  I gave him a refund, just didn't want to be bothered with a complaining customer and I sent him a link to Youtube for the product.  Something he could have done himself....but whatever.  So now when I sell an electric anything I include a print out manual from the website.  This is true esp. for "older" model appliances & electronics. 

#2 - Board games.  If it's not factory sealed, I don't even want them because if it's been open, the pieces may be missing and that can cause a return.  However, there's a guy on Youtube who sells board games for the pieces ONLY and the manual ONLY and does well.

#3 - appliances.  If it's not factory sealed, I don't touch it.  If I can't test it for electricity and to turn on, I don't touch it.

#4 - clothing.  I don't have a high rate of return because I include the measurements and EMPHASIZE TO THE BUYER "PLEASE MEASURE FIRST" before buying.  It's tricky trying to get lighting right for photos.  I try to find stock photos with models wearing the clothing.  Clothing is just tricky when it comes to descriptions.  Retailers report that clothing returns are as high as 20%.

Let me add -- of  all the platforms I sell on, AMZ is the worst for returns....THE WORST.  So I'm sure to only list "new" items on AMZ.  The good thing about EB is you can sell for parts only.

[lja440]

I think anything that can be swapped out for the buyers in hand broken one.

[lightlily_arts]

First of all just realize that people return things all the time for just about any reason or none at all. 

I would guess that Clothing and accessories or  Electronic items are on the top of the list.

Clothing items primarily for size issues.  Electronics due to functional issues.  Even when selling non working for parts only.  People buy them thinking that it might work and then return because it doesn't.

I'm sure the auto parts people have a tough time as well due to people ordering the wrong item.

The main issue in reducing the incidence of returns is that you have to be very specific in describing whatever you are selling. Measurements, colors, age, functions etc.

I sold a Kenneth Cole Reaction Glitter Dot Tie.  Mentioned in the Item Specifics that the colors were Black and Silver.  The buyer opened a return for not as described because the silver dots weren't glitter.  Glitter Dot was the manufacturers name for the tie.