New shipping rules... Can ebay automatically accept return and send label if I don't accept Returns?

[dinpavent0]

I currently started all my new listings with a no return policy and a  day handling time. Some of my old listings still have 30 day returns buyer pays shipping, thats only on items that are relisted from awhile ago. Anyways, I see that ebay can accept returns and automatically send a return label on your behalf, is that only if you accept returns, whether it be buyer pays or free returns? Just curious because it is not clear. I know that even tho I don't accept returns I would have to if it is item not described. That I know. But with new automation policy they have, wasn't sure if that was only if you already accept returns. Hoping someone knows, prefer not to have to call and get someone that doesn't speak english. I got put on hold last time I called several times and then hung up on when I tried to straighten out my bill they over charged me on with listing fees.  I have a store and used a promotion for 100 listings at 5cents and was charged full amount. Never got help. Please if anyone knows about shipping... Thanks!!!!

[berserkerplanet]

• Thanks for the info. Hope it is correct.

Me too. It's the best synopsis I can come up with based on reading all the documents and webpages and the DMM on USPS Return Services along with info posted here along over the years. (I asked eBay directly point blank twice here in the forums for a clarification on eBay return labels and was ignored twice)

•Hmm, one flat universal rate ~$7

It isn't a universal flat rate. It is likely a negotiated rate based on average weights and costs. (Granted, probably a good rate, but not a flat rate). eBay and USPS probably determined something along the lines of the average eBay return is around 2 lbs +/- 1 lb and the rate is based on that. Returned packages of feathers cost less, returned anvils cost more, but the average over 3 months, or 10,000 pkgs, or whatever the criteria are is what matters. If everybody starts buying 55 gallon drums and returning them, that average weight/cost to eBay per label will go up.

(there are various USPS Return Service setups (average per piece, actual cost per label, etc), but I think this is the one eBay is using.

[sam9876]

"so say the buyer decided to use a huge box and lost of unnecessary stuffing and another inside box,making it weigh 10 lbs,USPS will charge how much and how much would the seller pay?"

About $7 for Priority Return Service and about $4 for First Class Return Service.

[afterthoughtsauto]

I have similar questions to the above. How would eBay know the size and weight of the box for the label?  How do I know how much they will deduct from my account for return shipping?  Like others...what if I sent UPS ground and USPS PM is way more and that is the label eBay gives them?  We can't force them to chose the most economical shipping return. 

[mikescuriouscurios]

afterthoughtsauto:

Exactly what I was asking (in different words.)

According to the answers above it doesn't matter how or what they return ship it's only $7. Ebay is ensuring we only pay a return fee of $7 even if it weighs 50 lbs when they return it. In that case I see a new house-moving black-market arising here.

You create a listing saying "Ship Up to 70lbs of Household Goods Priority to My City only $40."  You then send them an empty $6 priority envelope.  They claim they are returning it at the seller's expense, and pack up 70lbs of household belongings to "return" to you in their relocation city, (repeat as many times as necessary since Ebay doesn't limit buyers return priveleges - or just use multiple accounts) and you hold it for them until they arrive... You've paid $6 for the initial mailing, $7 for the return shipping, and pocket the $27 difference minus eb/paypal fees. The "buyer" saves up to $180 (zip 90210 -> 04015) or however much a moving truck would cost. Everybody wins... 'cept...

(I'M KIDDING! REALLY EBAY! Learn to recognize a joke [cough].)

[Anyone ever shipped a mattress?]