Returned eBay items are no fun since they create more work for buyers and sellers alike. Although returns do happen, they may not happen as often as you’d think. Sellers shipping 100-400 items each month can easily go several months without a even single return!
Despite the rarity of returns, minimizing instances of returns, deciding how to handle returns, and understanding costs and considerations related to returns are essential pillars of any successful eBay seller’s strategy.
Minimizing instances of buyers returning items
The best ways to minimize your chances of receiving returned items are by posting a detailed photo (or photos) in the listing and by describing the item in a thorough and accurate manner. Highlight any damage to LEGO pieces (read the article What’s the damage?: How to Identify and Prevent LEGO Piece Deterioration). In other words, try to educate the buyer about the item as much as reasonably possible before they make the purchase.
Seller’s error? Seller should ALWAYS pay return shipping
If the seller sends the buyer the incorrect item, incorrect count or incorrect condition (i.e. a used or broken item instead of new) and the buyer wishes to return the item, then the seller should pay the return shipping costs.
Buyer’s error? Seller chooses who pays return shipping
If the buyer made a mistake or changed their mind, then the seller should decide who pays for the return shipping. Typically a buyer will understand their mistake a be willing to pay the return shipping. Still, the seller may consider paying the return shipping cost even if the buyer is at fault in order to build goodwill with a new buyer or to reinforce the relationship with a repeat buyer.
Some sellers will charge a buyer a restocking fee for returning an item (typically $1-$5) due to the hassle and labor of receiving a return. Other sellers will not charge a restocking fee since any added fees can discourage buyers or prospective buyers.
eBay Top Rated Seller Listings Require a 14 day (or longer) return period
If you’d like your eBay listings to qualify for the Top Rated Seller eBay fee and USPS shipping discounts, then you’re required to offer returns for 14 days or longer. For more information see: Become a Top Rated Seller on eBay, Save Money on Shipping and Final Value Fees.
Creating Positive Vibes for Your Buyers
If a prospective buyer stumbles onto one of your eBay listings and the listing is riddled with many fees and “no” statement, the prospective buyer may become uncomfortable and shop elsewhere. Some examples of fees and “no” statements include:
– $3.00 restocking fee for returned items
– No returns for any reason
The price of “free shipping”
If you sell any items on eBay with free shipping, then you will lose the money it cost you to ship the item to the buyer. Once you receive the returned item from the buyer, you must refund the buyer the full price (less the shipping cost). Since free shipping costs $0 to the buyer, you must absorb the shipping costs yourself.