Handling Item Returns

As a seller, just as you are prepared to complete an order received, you should also be prepared to manage any returns arising out of those transaction. 

Buyers typically do not make a purchase with the intention of returning the item, but they often do look for sellers who are willing to offer returns, in case things do not go as planned.  Offering returns is a way of showing your customers that you care and value customer service.

As a seller, just as you are prepared to complete an order received, you should also be prepared to manage any returns arising out of those transaction. 

Buyers typically do not make a purchase with the intention of returning the item, but they often do look for sellers who are willing to offer returns, in case things do not go as planned.  Offering returns is a way of showing your customers that you care and value customer service.

Reasons For Account Suspensions/restrictions/holds -eBay

What is Returns & Types of Returns

A return happens when a buyer asks to send an item back to the seller after receiving it.

Remorse Returns

The buyer made a mistake when buying the item

For a remorse return, a buyer would return the item through the seller’s return policy.

Item Not As Described Returns

There is a problem with the item. 

Examples: Item was damaged during transit; item has defects not described in the listing; item is different from what was listed

For an item not as described, the buyer may be able to return the item through our eMBG policy.

Remorse Returns

The buyer made a mistake when buying the item

For a remorse return, a buyer would return the item through the seller’s return policy.

Item Not As Described Returns

There is a problem with the item. 

Examples: Item was damaged during transit; item has defects not described in the listing; item is different from what was listed

For an item not as described, the buyer may be able to return the item through our eMBG policy.

Who takes the Responsibility for the Return Shipping?

This would completely depend on the reason selected by the buyer at the time of requesting for a return:

Buyer’s Responsibility (Remorse Return):

  • Doesn’t fit.
  • Changed my mind.
  • Found a better price.
  • Just didn’t like it.
  • Ordered by mistake.

Seller’s Responsibility (Item Not As Described Return):

  • Doesn’t work or is defective.
  • Doesn’t match the description or photos.
  • Missing parts or accessories.
  • Arrived damaged.
  • Doesn’t seem authentic.
  • Wrong item sent.

Buyer’s Responsibility (Remorse Return):

  • Doesn’t fit.
  • Changed my mind.
  • Found a better price.
  • Just didn’t like it.
  • Ordered by mistake.

Seller’s Responsibility (Item Not As Described Return):

  • Doesn’t work or is defective.
  • Doesn’t match the description or photos.
  • Missing parts or accessories.
  • Arrived damaged.
  • Doesn’t seem authentic.
  • Wrong item sent.

Returns Timeline at a Glance

01.

Buyers can open a return within 30 days of item delivery unless seller has a longer return policy

02.

Seller has 3 business days to respond. including providing a means of return

03.

Buyers has 5 business days to return starting from the day after seller provides ameans of return

01.

Buyers can open a return within 30 days of item delivery unless seller has a longer return policy

02.

Seller has 3 business days to respond. including providing a means of return

03.

Buyers has 5 business days to return, starting from the day after seller provides a means of return

04.

Seller has 2 business days to refund buyer after attempted delivery

05.

Case will timeout after 45 days of seller providing means of return

06.

Seller & buyer has 30 days after case closure to appeal

04.

Seller has 2 business days to refund buyer after attempted delivery

05.

Case will timeout after 45 days of seller providing means of return

06.

Seller & buyer has 30 days after case closure to appeal

Returns & Defects

A return counts as a Case Closed Without Seller Resolution (a “CCWSR”) Defect when you, as the seller, are not able to resolve the issue with the buyer, and eBay is asked to step in, and we resolve the issue in favor of the buyer.

If you choose not to organize the means of return, be aware that the buyer may ask eBay to step in and help. If eBay resolves the request in the buyer’s favor, you may lose the item and the funds, and also get a Defect.

If the return label was provided by you, being the seller, and the product is lost in transit, you would still need to refund the buyer if there is no movement per tracking details in the last 7 days. If the case is escalated to eBay, and we resolve the request in buyer’s favor, you will receive a Defect.

Returns & Defects: Practices to avoid a CCWSR Defect - eBay

Best practices to avoid a CCWSR Defect:

  • Communicate with your buyer.
  • Follow the “Seller Make It Right” timelines.
  • Be prompt when providing Resolutions.
  • Do everything you can to solve the issue – Do not let the case get escalated.