eBay Return Policy

nth'ing no returns. I usually just state this in my auction, but I word it pretty simply and kindly. (I've seen a few sellers who seem bitter when they're writing stuff like this, switching to all caps and slipping in insults.... Don't be that guy!) My reason is different from what others have mentioned--no one's tried it to me, but I've read one too many horror stories of various scams... For example, my camera (unrelated to eBay) broke a while back. What a scammer would have done in my shoes would have been to see that you had the same model listed in your auction and bid on it. They get it in good working order, but tell you it was DOA. You want to keep people happy so you agree to accept a return, and get my already-broken camera, not the one you sent me, back. But it's the same, so unless you're really good, you wouldn't even know. And if you call me on it, I can complain that you are the scammer. For anything of value, I just require shipping insurance. If the seller claims it's DOA (which thankfully, has never happened), I know that's not how I shipped it, so it would get referred to the insurance company. What I've seen some people do is "As-is but guaranteed not DOA." This really doesn't protect them from egregious scams, but it does protect them from trivial complaints. The problem for a new seller like you is that 0 feedback + "All sales are final" is kind of scary to potential buyers. So in this case, you could look at the feedback of the seller asking you and go from there. If he's got excellent feedback, he's probably not going to scam you. If he has no feedback (or negative feedback!), "Sorry, but all sales are final. You might purchase shipping insurance if you're concerned..." 99% of eBayers are great people, but that 1% is ruthless. Being overly accommodating gives that 1% way more power than they deserve.

Ya.. Not quite "no matter what the problem is" on those cheap items.. Just a very low threshold, because it doesn't represent a big loss.

I've been selling on ebay for a number of years, and I've experienced just about every kind of hassle. I've never stated a return policy, and I think I've even ignored questions about it. I've only ever had a COUPLE people want to return things- both times we just weren't on the same page as far as item condition. IIRC, both people wanted 'some money back' which just sounds like bullshit to me. I told them both they either send it back at their expense for a refund or they live with it. Only one guy ever, in my years of ebay tomfoolery, has gone to the trouble. And I TOTALLY agree with the 'go to best buy' sentiments above. It's a futureworld Garage Sale- and people just don't fucking GET that these kinds of transactions aren't like at Wal Mart where you can return whatever for whatever reason. Unfortunately, Paypal puts a huge burden of proof on the seller- and people can basically get away with all kinds of shit. It's made me not ship overseas, for one.

If you're a new eBay seller, then you are also required to accept Paypal on your listings. This means that your return policy means diddly-squat if someone files a complaint with Paypal and says the item is not as described. Paypal just tells them to return the item to the seller and then they get a refund. You might want to check out the http://forums.ebay.com/db2/forum.jspa?forumID=143 if you have more questions.

Sometimes the nature of the item should dictate whether returns are advisable or not. If it's something very standard (e.g. a piece of computer hardware, a mass-produced toy, a hard-cover book) then the buyer should definitely know exactly what he is purchasing and a return should not be promised other than if the item is not in the condition described. However if this is a one-of-a-kind item (something vintage, a hand-made craft object) then the buyer doesn't know exactly what he is buying and if, say, it's a pair of shoes, then a seller would do well to have a return policy to encourage bidding. I once bought an amazing pair of silver sandals which I adored but which were just too narrow for my feet, and I wouldn't have bid on them if the seller hadn't offered a return policy. Luckily I was able to return them to her and get my money back. I imagine she took a small loss on the shipping cost, but probably she ends up selling more due to her return policy. So to sum up: if the buyer can be reasonably expected to know what the item is as it is a common item, then no returns. Vintage or one-of-a-kind, offer returns with limits.

I'm with gjc. I've only sold around 80 items on eBay; almost all pieces of high quality photographic equipment. More than a few have sold for around $2000.00 each with one piece at $3200.00. In every case, my policy has been that "I'm an honest guy, have documented any flaws both within the text listing and with good sharp detail photos, and what you see and read is what you get. I also pack and ship very carefully as if I were the buyer." I've only ever had one potential buyer refuse to bid because I wouldn't offer a return policy. I suggested to that person that he'd probably feel more comfortable buying from someone else or from a store offering a return policy to his liking. I've never worried about putting off buyers by refusing returns. There are plenty of buyers out there.

I'm with the caveat emptor crowd. It's an auction, not a department store. The seller's job is to represent the good accurately, the buyer's job is to evaluate all the information at hand and decide what they're willing to pay based on that information. The "no refunds" policy weeds out the pains-in-the-asses and the scammers. If you want a guarantee, go to Best Buy. As for the ebay changes, I'm not so sure how it's going to play out either. My impression is that the change is designed to discourage bad sellers and encourage good sellers.

Clearly explain everything about the item in the item description, like any scratches or blemishes as well as anything that doesn't function. If you lay everything out on the line, you're covering yourself for a "no returns" policy, because people will know what they're buying. Encourage buyers to ask you questions, make it easy for them to do so, and respond to the questions as quickly as possible.

I sell a lot on eBay - mostly vintage things, like you. I have over 3000 feedback with a 100% positive rating. I have sort of a three tier approach to returns. First, the policy stated in my auctions and my standard response when asked: If I missed a flaw or problem or erred in my description, I offer a full refund, including shipping both ways. Otherwise I do not offer returns. Second, my ACTUAL return policy - which I use when people received the item and have a problem: If it's because of my error, I offer a full refund (with shipping both ways). If it's NOT because of my mistake, they can return the item and I will refund the price, but not shipping. Some people also charge a restocking fee, but I don't. Third, my very lenient return policy which I use for good buyers. If they have a problem with an item, usual because of condition, I will give them a full refund and they keep the item. Unless it's a very expensive item (this one can be a bit painful!). My philosophy is that I want buyers to be comfortable buying from me, knowing that they are going to get what they paid for. And even if they are not happy with the item, I want them to be happy with the customer service. Because that means they will keep coming back. Most of my buyers these days are repeat buyers and they have no problem spending more on one of my auctions because they know I stand behind what I sell. Of course if you're not using eBay as a means to make a living, then establishing a good reputation and a large base of repeat customers probably isn't as important! Oh - one last thing - eBay is changing, and NOT in a way that will benefit sellers. As of May, only buyers will be able to leave negative/neutral feedback. And a seller's standing in search results will be determined by their DSR (detailed star rating). I'm not sure how this is going to play out, but I sense it's going to become increasingly difficult to maintain a feedback rating.