What is the point of "no returns" option when it is never enforced?

[htwingnut]

Why does the "No Returns" option even exist? I sold a video game recently as "no returns" as it was brand new, in packaging. The buyer made up a reason to return it at the last minute that seemed pretty shady, and my photos of the item I shipped didn't indicate anything they claimed.

I asked buyer to substantiate their claim with photo evidence. They refused. Of course the eBay bot stepped in and said I needed to resolve the return request with the buyer and threatens me with negative eBay feedback and reputation.

I told eBay I asked the buyer to provide photo evidence of their claim, but they refused. eBay says I need to accept the return. No evidence required.

So why even have a "no returns" option if buyer can just make stuff up and seller is stuck with all shipping fees and listing fees and stuck with likely a used or damaged item that was new?

If a buyer doesn't want to risk it, then don't buy an item listed as "no returns".  Or at a minimum force the buyer to pay return shipping and a "restocking" fee.

[monster-deals]

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@htwingnut wrote:

So why even have a "no returns" option if buyer can just make stuff up and seller is stuck with all shipping fees and listing fees and stuck with likely a used or damaged item that was new?

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Because ebay likes to pretend it is retail and wants to compete with actual retail...why?

Because it is less costly for ebay to give away your money than do the right thing.

Ebay is not nor has it ever been retail but ebay SURE LOVES to use a top down one-size fits all mentality towards everything that it shouldn't.

[johnrj1226]

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@rpalma wrote:

Your comments may apply to your business and your business model, but they aren't generally true.  How do you know about my total business model.  I just  stated a snippet of it?  My business model  is based  on the three Ps & a D of marketing that I learned eons ago.

By the way, if you really needed something and the only person selling it was an ebay seller who did not accept returns, I'm pretty sure you'd buy it.  Sorry but you don't know me at all.  Trust me I have walked away from OOAK items I wanted but the seller seemed too shady for me. 

 Obviously ebay would force a return if the item was SNAD.  That is what  the eBay MBG clearly states and  has  from day one.

That is the actual valid use of the ebay policy. It wasn't meant to get scammers free items and free returns.  It is up to the seller if the buyer get free items or not - the key is to do not let the buyer escalate the  case thru  a " yes it  , no it isn't debate" and/or no action by the seller  by clearly  stated time limits.  Some times  a 1/2  a loaf is better than no loaf at all.  The key  words on  returns are "return for refund".   No returns never meant  no refunds.Only had 1 INAD case  out of 1524  items shipped since 2010.

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[dakota_67]

The return policy is set up so that eBay and Pay Pal make huge profits from screwing the sellers. If you try to argue or fight the return eBay sides with the buyer 95% of the time. FYI if you do not refund the buyer eBay will remove the funds from your account and do it. If this happens you receive a defect on your seller account. I have 3 defects on my seller account and now eBay is charging a extra 5% on my final value fees to make it 15%. This is a FYI for all sellers. They give you a option to argue but in the end you get ripped off. There is no use fighting the return. Refund the buyer or you will end up being screwed over by eBay policy. This is another example of management not caring how they treat sellers and why this will not go on.

[lja440]

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@htwingnut wrote:

If you're a big seller, then maybe it's part of doing business. But when you're just a small fry trying to make a few extra honest bucks selling stuff around the house, it can hurt. In the grand scheme of things, the amount of this transaction isn't that much. But in principle it bugs me. That eBay supports a dishonest return request by not even requiring some form of supporting evidence for a claim.

I'm all for accepting returns if there is something legitimately wrong with an item, or has a misleading description. But at least require some form of evidence before just blanket siding with the buyer.

To be honest, if the buyer just said "hey, the package is still unopened and I just decided I didn't want it" I'd be more likely to work something out if they're honest. But to claim something is fake, just rubs me the wrong way.

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I'm a small time seller though I have been at it for a long time, I seldom have more than a dozen items listed at a time for my ID's  I feel the best way to combat returns is:

1. have excellent pictures

2. have excellent descriptions (my first items sold without any pictures as I couldn't figure out how to upload them)

3. answer all questions even if the answer is in the listing

4. pack really well and ship promptly

I'm sitting here and I have to date this year not had a single return.