What does an Item Not As Described mean?
Item Not As Described also known as Significantly Not As Described, means that the product received does not meet the description specified in the listing.
When the buyer purchases an item, it is with the expectation that it will arrive exactly in the same condition as displayed and specified in the listing. So, if the product received is missing a gemstone or is missing a button or is completely the wrong item or the wrong size – it means that the product delivered is not as described.
Put yourself in the shoes of a buyer who is at the receiving end and is disappointed by the defective or misrepresented item – wouldn’t you be disappointed? Of course, you would be! As a seller, you do not want to receive these complaints from your buyers and should definitely to work towards minimizing them.
What does an Item Not As Described mean?
Item Not As Described also known as Significantly Not As Described, means that the product received does not meet the description specified in the listing.
When the buyer purchases an item, it is with the expectation that it will arrive exactly in the same condition as displayed and specified in the listing. So, if the product received is missing a gemstone or is missing a button or is completely the wrong item or the wrong size – it means that the product delivered is not as described.
Put yourself in the shoes of a buyer who is at the receiving end and is disappointed by the defective or misrepresented item – wouldn’t you be disappointed? Of course, you would be! As a seller, you do not want to receive these complaints from your buyers and should definitely to work towards minimizing them.
Item Doesn’t Work or is Defective
Doesn’t match the Description or Photos or Provided Specifics
Wrong Item Delivered
Item is Missing Parts or Pieces
Item is Delivered in Damaged Condition
Item Doesn’t Seem Authentic
Does an Item Not As Described Case count as a defect in your seller performance?
YES – The Item Not As Described case will be counted against you if:
Similar to “Item Not Received” cases, you have 3 business days to provide a Resolution from the time the case is opened (3 business days (US/CA/AU/FR/IT/ES) & 8 calendar days (UK)).
Does an Item Not As Described Case count as a defect in your seller performance?
YES – The Item Not As Described case will be counted against you if:
Similar to “Item Not Received” cases, you have 3 business days to provide a Resolution from the time the case is opened (3 business days (US/CA/AU/FR/IT/ES) & 8 calendar days (UK)).
Step – 1 – Your “Service Metrics” under the Seller HUB
Step – 2 – Performance tab is a good way to stay on track to see where you stand in comparison to your peers.
Step – 1 – Your “Service Metrics” under the Seller HUB
Step – 2 – Performance tab is a good way to stay on track to see where you stand in comparison to your peers.
Your peer benchmarks show you how you compare to other sellers with similar items, prices, shipping options, and terms of sale.
Comparing your rate of “Item Not As Described” return requests and “Item Not Received” requests will give you a clear understanding of how well you’re doing in these areas compared to similar sellers.
For “Item Not As Described” return requests, your peers are other sellers with a comparable volume of transactions who sell items in the same category as you, with a similar price, item condition, return policy, and EDD.
Your peer benchmarks show you how you compare to other sellers with similar items, prices, shipping options, and terms of sale.
Comparing your rate of “Item Not As Described” return requests and “Item Not Received” requests will give you a clear understanding of how well you’re doing in these areas compared to similar sellers.
For “Item Not As Described” return requests, your peers are other sellers with a comparable volume of transactions who sell items in the same category as you, with a similar price, item condition, return policy, and EDD.
As shown in the above image, under “Service Metrics -> Item Not As Described Returns” you will be able to get a clear view on the total number of transactions you had, the number of Item Not As Described returns, exactly where you stand when compared to your peers and a breakdown on the reasons of the returns.
As shown in the above image, under “Service Metrics – > Item Not As Described Returns” you will be able to get a clear view on the total number of transactions you had, the number of Item Not As Described returns, exactly where you stand when compared to your peers and a breakdown on the reasons of the returns.
If you are able to get to the root of the issue before it is raised to eBay, you will be able to save not just your performance metrics but also earn a good reputation amongst your buyers. So, what do you need to do to keep the Item Not As Described cases at bay?
Your description needs to be accurate, complete and void of any false promises
Add up detailed item specifications
Recheck listings before submitting to avoid any contradicting information
Add photos of the original item, captured from multiple angles
Inspect the products for any defects – call them out in the description
All items should be checked before shipping
Make sure that the complete product is packed with all the parts
Take utmost care of the packing material
Keep track of the repeated cases of Item Not As Described – the problem may be from where you are sourcing your products
Communicate with your buyer at all times
Provide clear return policies
If you are able to get to the root of the issue before it is raised to eBay, you will be able to save not just your performance metrics but also earn a good reputation amongst your buyers. So, what do you need to do to keep the Item Not As Described cases at bay?
