Losing my Top Rated Seller Status due to Ebays Policy I can't Offer Free Returns

[dm2756]

I have been a seller on ebay for 15 years, and a top rated seller since the program began. I don't agree with the free return policy, but I was willing to give it a try so as not to lose my top rated seller status and get lowered in search. Today I called ebay CS and have been transfered 3 times.  I wanted a clear clarification on exactly how this works before I opted in. I am a drop shipper I have 3 different address that returns go to. My suppliers all furnish prepaid labels for any defective, damaged or wrong item sent I do not have to pay for those.  I was told I can not furnish my own prepaid labels on free returns ebay will automatically send the buyer a label and charge my account. On buyer remorse items as I have it set up now the buyer pays I select what address I want the return to go to and provide a RA#  With free returns I understand I will now pay for the return shipping only ebay informed me that I can no longer select an address to return to all returns will now go to my home address.

This will bankrupt me, as my suppliers refund me back the cost of the item when return to them.

So thanks to ebay I will be lowered in search, and loss my top rated seller status because I can't offer free returns due to the way they set the policy up. So unfair. I could if they allow me to send my own prepaid label and select the address and provide a RA# for the return. But they said that is not an option at this time.  Whats even scarier is the on CS rep who was really nice and bent over backwards to find out exactly what the details was on this free return policy after being on hold, came back and asked if I could hold a little longer while he checked on somethng he found but could not disclose to me. So what is in that free return policy that affects the sellers but they can not disclose it to us??

anyone who wants to try this out really needs to call CS and get everything confirmed first.

[jrsstuff]

Agreed.  Not worth it to stay a TRS.  Backfiring in ebay's face.

[411marine]

We also have been selling on Ebay for the past 14+ years "411marine"  (we are 99% used parts) and this ability to have buyer change mind for no reason and me to pay the return shipping is beyond ignorant. My shipping costs can be in most cases $250+ and that cost alone has determined I lose all around. My ratings have always been 99.5% or higher for all years and now just this week, 1 customer 2 items and I got screwed because he bought an item that was clearly marked and labeld and its totally not a fit.  How exactly is that our fault?  

IF we do not play the game, they bury us and still take that monthly payment.  

We are seeking other altenatives.  This PC world has got to stop. We are paying ebay ALOT of money in fee's and its just simple, Big Corporate business wins and the "Small Business gets Screwed"  and yet ebay pushes the small business motto.. obviously the bean counters forgot whats it like to not wear silk undies. 

Chris Bright

411Marine

[froggyjump]

I believe a little over half of my listings offer free returns, the others either offer no returns or buyer pays returns.

I am still Top Rated Seller

Glanced at your listings but maybe you could decide which items have a higher buyers remorse than the others?

I wish I knew the ratio of how many items in a store need to offer free shipping for buyers to see your Top Rated Seller Status.

You are a serious seller with regular sales each day. Good for you. Sorry this happened