I know many ebayers who do not offer a return policy. I believe that if you want to be taken seriously as an ebay entrepreneur, then you will offer a return policy just like every other business in the world. It’s a part of your customer service, and it builds trust in the buyer. I either offer a 14 or 30 day return policy, and like I stated before, I rarely see a return. Ebay has launched a new Managed Returns Process for you to opt into. It’s an easy and hassle free way for you to manage any return and to have ebay on your side. Here is how the process works:
Set up your return policy with the criteria that you want e.g. 14 day return window and a restocking fee- If the buyer wants to return, they go to “My eBay”
- They select the reason for a return and confirm their refund amount
- The customer then prints a return shipping label with a tracking number and a date to send it back by
- After receiving the item in its original condition, you can refund the customer
This is great for us ebay entrepreneurs for several reasons. First of all, ebay has tracked everything. This makes it perfect for seller protection, and it cuts out a lot of fraud. It takes all of the worry and frustration out of wondering if the customer is going to do it right because the process is very straight forward and it gives them step by step instructions.
Lets say you get your item back and it’s in broken condition. You knew it was perfect when you sent it, but now the customer has sent back the item and expecting a refund. You can easily snap a photo of the item as proof that this is how the item was returned to me. You can then upload that photo and send it to ebays seller protection customer service team to review. This whole process is set up to protect you as a seller. So if you haven’t already opted into this new return process, I highly recommend that you do. Make sure you watch the one minute video at the top of this page, and check out the new process HERE.
For more ebay tips and tricks, check out The Keys to a Successful eBay Business HERE
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
If I understand correctly you have to be a top rated seller to opt in for managed returns.
I dont normally chime in on these post but this is one of the most stupid things ebay has done. We had a nice thread going about this about 5 months ago when ebay first started it and nearly everyone in it agreed that is was a bad idea.
First off once you opt in anyone can return anything at anytime and you get the shipping bill, the potential for fraud and being screwed over is HUGE.
Second as far as what you said about ebay protecting you? That is a joke, ive been screwed TWICE since this system has started where i have been mailed back an item that was damaged and ebay did 2 things for me, Diddly and squat.
I opted back out of mine after being screwed over the second time, it is not worth it. People are much more likely to scam you if they know you have automatic returns setup.
There isnt a single major company out there that does automatic returns like this, New Egg, Best Buy, Walmart ect. They dont do it for a reason. They see the potential for fraud.
I agree with Rexx. Returns need to be handled on a case by case basis. I like the idea of automation, just not on something like returns.
Hmmm…sounds like a prelude to requiring ALL sellers to do managed returns, or at least punishing them if they don’t. Free return shipping? Nuts to that. I believe you Rexx, that ebay did ZIP for your claims. Haven’t they squeezed sellers enough? Higher fees, partial refund scams, what’s next? I’m sure the big government-subsidized Chinese sellers will be all in, all they care about is market share, profits don’t matter to them.
I offer returns on all of my auctions, but I much prefer to handle returns on a case by case basis.
Thank you all for your advice!! I was just about to sign up for the opt-in on eBay but wanted to read some reviews first!! Glad I found this site!! Thanks again!