This Can't Be How Returns Work Now!!

[kds99]

Buyer decides to rerturn item, as is her prerogative. The first clue I see is that this message appears: 

"The buyer (redacted) is returning Vintage Mixed Set of 4 Aluminum Measuring Spoons. Per eBay's policy, this return has been automatically approved and we've asked the buyer to send the item back. After the buyer ships the item, we'll share the tracking information with you.

Please inspect the item before issuing a refund. View the return details to issue a refund now, if you like. You must issue a refund within 6 days of item being delivered. Then I receive message 2: "The return for Vintage Mixed Set of 4 Aluminum Measuring Spoons has been closed. You can always view the return details for more information." When I review the "return details" I am told the buyer herself closed the return. Huh? Now, I don't mind the return. I don't mind giving a refund. I do mind not knowing what is happening. It seems I was charged by PayPal for return postage. Why was the return automatic, and without any prior contact with the seller? Does ebay now decide if an item needs to be returned or retained? Is this item indeed being returned or retained? Do I need to issue the refund if the buyer is indeed not returning the item in accordance with message 1? If the item is not returned, why was I charged for the return shipping? Maybe this amount was actually for the refund? In that case, I should not have to refund (again) in the designated 6 days. I am slightly confused.  Can anyone decipher this?

[flyerfandan999]

Apparently "free shipping" applies going [to the buyer] and coming [back from the buyer].

[myboardid]

A short time ago they announced that if a seller gives free returns, then the return approval will become automatic, eBay will accept it for the seller.  They will then issue a return label to the buyer.  This is supposed to make it easier for the seller so they don't have to go through the process (yeah, I know....). 

It seems as though that's what happened to you, but then afterwards your buyer changed her mind and cancelled the return.  If the return label is never used, you won't be charged for it.  If you don't get the item back, you don't have to refund at all. 

[sweetdunks]

I thought it was only automatically accepted if the buyer was paying the return postage?

[kds99]

In this particular case, I, the seller do specitfy that the buyer pays for shipping returns.

[kds99]

Thanks! That provides some perspective I was missing, and apparently I had failed to remember the previous announcements about returns policy changes, which I will now review again!

[pjcdn2005 · Accepted solution]

You’re right, it is  only automatic if the buyer is paying return shipping.