When Ebay approves return what return shipping method is used by buyer?

[time4david5d28]

Hi,

I recently sold an item in which was listed as 30-day 'free returns'.    The item was mailed Priority Medium Sized Flat Rate Box.

The buyer requested a return and EBay automatically approved the return (I suppose based on my offering 30 day free returns).   However, there is no indication from EBay to me the buyer as to what method the buyer is to send the item back or the methodology for the creation of a label.   

The item was sold for $350.   However, Priority Mail only covers $100.   I did not on mailing the item include additional insurance.   Therefore, the question is whether the only label that can be created is a return label for a Priority Mail Medium Sized Box Rate without additional insurance?    Does the buyer have to use a Priority Mail Medium Size Box?   Does the seller upon the creation of such return label initiate a purchase against my paypal account in the cost of postage?

Thanks in advance.

[nh7235]

eBay will issue a First-Class Return Service label good for up to 70 lbs and 108 inches.

[mam98031]

I'm not 100% sure about your question, but it is a darn good one.  I always thought that when Ebay issued the label or if the seller approved Ebay issuing the label that Ebay just repeated whatever method the seller originally shipped the item with.  But I am not sure so I'll tag a couple guys that can certainly answer your questions with clarity.

tyler@ebay

@Anonymous

[tyler@ebay]

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@time4david5d28 wrote:

Hi,

I recently sold an item in which was listed as 30-day 'free returns'.    The item was mailed Priority Medium Sized Flat Rate Box.

The buyer requested a return and EBay automatically approved the return (I suppose based on my offering 30 day free returns).   However, there is no indication from EBay to me the buyer as to what method the buyer is to send the item back or the methodology for the creation of a label.   

The item was sold for $350.   However, Priority Mail only covers $100.   I did not on mailing the item include additional insurance.   Therefore, the question is whether the only label that can be created is a return label for a Priority Mail Medium Sized Box Rate without additional insurance?    Does the buyer have to use a Priority Mail Medium Size Box?   Does the seller upon the creation of such return label initiate a purchase against my paypal account in the cost of postage?

Thanks in advance.

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Thanks for the tag @mam98031!

Hi @time4david5d28 - happy to clarify. When a return is authorized and the buyer is eligible for a label we'll provide a standard return lable (typically a 'USPS Return Service' label). It would not have the option of additional insurance. If you prefer it to be insured or sent via a specific return shipper/service you can opt to provide a label in those situations by working with the buyer directly. 

Additionally I can confirm that the cost of the label will be assessed to the seller in a Free Return or Not as Described return situation. You aren't charged until the label is used, not just printed. Thanks!

[disneyshopper]

I had a seller ship items to me in a priority flat rate envelope.  The item was not as described, and when a return was requested, a priority label was supplied.

[jmb6951]

I shipped 3 small books in box via media mail - used books - buyer complained they were 'damaged' when delivered - eBay sent her label - books arrived in priority mail flat rate padded envelope wrapped in a zillion of the usps tyvek envelopes - cost to me was the same cost for shipping to buyer.  Took me forever to unwrap all of those envelopes to determine if the books were the ones mailed and okay 🙂 

This process however prompted me to rethink shipping internationally with or without Global Shipping. 

If an international buyer decides the books are 'damaged' am I responsible for all the shipping back??? 

[mam98031]

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@jmb6951 wrote:

I shipped 3 small books in box via media mail - used books - buyer complained they were 'damaged' when delivered - eBay sent her label - books arrived in priority mail flat rate padded envelope wrapped in a zillion of the usps tyvek envelopes - cost to me was the same cost for shipping to buyer.  Took me forever to unwrap all of those envelopes to determine if the books were the ones mailed and okay 🙂 

This process however prompted me to rethink shipping internationally with or without Global Shipping. 

If an international buyer decides the books are 'damaged' am I responsible for all the shipping back??? 

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No.  Ebay has no way for you to issue an international label.  Neither does PP.  Any label you would issue would be using USPS which only exists in the US.  So the buyer would be responsible for purchasing their own return label.  Ebay does encourage seller to reimburse the buyer, but they can't force you to.

[southern*sweet*tea]

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@mam98031 wrote:

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@jmb6951 wrote:

I shipped 3 small books in box via media mail - used books - buyer complained they were 'damaged' when delivered - eBay sent her label - books arrived in priority mail flat rate padded envelope wrapped in a zillion of the usps tyvek envelopes - cost to me was the same cost for shipping to buyer.  Took me forever to unwrap all of those envelopes to determine if the books were the ones mailed and okay 🙂 

This process however prompted me to rethink shipping internationally with or without Global Shipping. 

If an international buyer decides the books are 'damaged' am I responsible for all the shipping back??? 

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No.  Ebay has no way for you to issue an international label.  Neither does PP.  Any label you would issue would be using USPS which only exists in the US.  So the buyer would be responsible for purchasing their own return label.  Ebay does encourage seller to reimburse the buyer, but they can't force you to.

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YES, the seller is responsible for return shipping.

If an international buyer files a SNAD, the seller will either give the buyer the funds to buy a shipping label - from their country with tracking - or refund the buyer in full. If the seller doesn't, Ebay will refund the buyer without requiring a return and the seller gets a non performance defect.

[time4david5d28]

After discussing this matter with an EBay rep . . . it seems as though the system will create a regular mailing label WITHOUT any kind of insurance.    I asked the Rep how does the package get insurance on a return?   The rep indicated that the metholodogy of the return should be made during the listing process . . . and better yet for all listings following a certain return process.   In order to create a label with appropriate insurance or other things like signature, the automated return whereas a return is automatically granted with a "free returns" policy should be turned off so that the seller can make adjustments.  For instance, only by turning off the automatic return allows for the seller to offer a partial refund.  ln my situation whereas the buyer thinks the item is too small even though the listing clearly indicates its size in measurements . . . I could offer a partial refund when reviewing a return.  But if the return is automatically granted by ebay's system, there is no opportunity to do so.