Return Shipping question

[packratville]

This is another question about a buyer who is returning an item to me. eBay's message to me just said the buyer has requested a return, gives the reason, and states they've requested the buyer return the item by the 20th.

If eBay expected me to send a return label, they would have indicated that, wouldn't they? My listing stated returns accepted but buyer pays return shipping. I just want to be sure the buyer isn't expecting anything from me. In searching, I've found information stating eBay can charge shipping costs to the buyer, so I'm thinking the buyer must be able to print out an eBay label in order to return the item.

I found this in the Returns FAQ,:

My buyer started a return but never sent the item back to me. What should I do?

If the buyer does not send the item back, the return will time out and you are not required to refund the buyer. Your seller standing will not be impacted.

Sorry to have so many questions about the return, but I'd rather learn from others' experience rather than the hard way in this case. Right now I'm just under the impression that eBay would have given me further instructions if it was necessary.

[packratville]

That's one thing I'm concerned about (he'll ship for less meaning the packaging won't be as protective as when I sent it most likely). I ran to the post office anyway and nothing's there. Will check again tomorrow or over the weekend when I can combine the trip with other errands in that area. Five business days will be tomorrow. Thanks!

[sam9876]

Why do you think that the packaging won't be as good?

[missjen831]

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@packratville wrote:
That's one thing I'm concerned about (he'll ship for less meaning the packaging won't be as protective as when I sent it most likely). I ran to the post office anyway and nothing's there. Will check again tomorrow or over the weekend when I can combine the trip with other errands in that area. Five business days will be tomorrow. Thanks!

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You will probably be surprised, he might use the original packing materials. Usually buyers use their own label when eBay wants them to pay upwards of $10 for a small lightweight item that can ship first class for <$5. 

[myboardid]

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@packratville wrote:
That's one thing I'm concerned about (he'll ship for less meaning the packaging won't be as protective as when I sent it most likely). I ran to the post office anyway and nothing's there. Will check again tomorrow or over the weekend when I can combine the trip with other errands in that area. Five business days will be tomorrow. Thanks!

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Don't worry about the packaging  at this point, deal with that when you get it back.  The buyer has 5 days to start the return, not to deliver it.  If eBay sent him a label that he used, eBay will watch the tracking and send you a message when it is delivered.  Actually, as soon as it is scanned as delivered.  Even though you have several days to complete the refund after delivery, they bug you to do it immediately (a pet peeve of mine). 

[packratville]

Wow! That's a hefty price if eBay does that. I'd use my own label too in that case.

[packratville]

Good advice. No use worrying about something that might not happen. I assumed - and shouldn't assume anything - that eBay would post the tracking number as soon as it was available, like they expect us to do. But I'll look for a delivery notice from eBay or check the PO box at least every couple of days in case there's no tracking. Thanks!

[packratville]

Because of the way I often receive items I've ordered... no extra protection to keep the item from being crushed. Extra protection often bumps the postage up a bit and some sellers scrimp on that. If the buyer wants to save money on shipping and just throws the remote in a lightly padded envelope, it risks damage and at the very least the nice new-looking manufacturer's box would be crushed, lessening the value of the product.

[packratville]

Anyway, the 20th has come and gone and no evidence in the returns section that the buyer has sent the remote back. I just got back from checking the mailbox a little while ago and nothing there. Since eBay's notice to me indicated they may close the case if it's not sent by the 20th, and there's no tracking to show it was, can I contact eBay to ask for the return to be closed in my favor?

[sam9876]

Yes.

[packratville]

Thank you!

[sam9876]

I am going to guess that eBay won't actually close the case until Monday.

[packratville]

Should I just wait and call Monday or is it better to call now (or tomorrow during the day)?

[sam9876]

I have no idea.  I have been selling on eBay for 18 years and have never called them.

[packratville]

That is a good thing! I think I only called once before and that's been nearly a decade ago.

Anyway I just phoned and spoke to a really nice representative who's going to close the case in my favor. He also stated my funds will be released in 24-48 hours after it's closed. So at this point all is good.

Thanks to everyone for their help.

[packratville]

Well, to update. Similar to the old adage "If it sounds too good to be true..."

If it sounds to easy, it probably isn't.

When I called and talked to the rep he said the return would close in my favor and I could expect the funds to be available to me in 24 to 48 hours. So I just finished listing some things tonight and checked my email, and there's an email from eBay stating they've closed the return in the BUYER'S favor. What???? The rep did keep interchanging seller and buyer when I spoke with him earlier, but I told him when he did that I was the seller. I thought he understood that. Grrrrrrr. So I called back and spoke with someone in appeals just now and he said he can't do anything, and that he'd have the rep I spoke with earlier call me tomorrow to get it straightened out. 

It's frustrating. So now there's a case in the buyer's favor, and the second rep I spoke with said it (a defect) wouldn't affect my account, but I don't think I believe that either now.