Online shoppers today look for a good return policy as a condition for buying—but more often than not, they keep their purchases. eBay sellers who've adopted a generous policy report a nice increase in sales—without a significant increase in returns.
To avoid returns, make sure your item descriptions are as clear and complete as possible. Include size, measurements, and imperfections such as scratches, stains, chips, missing accessories, or other defects. Take good pictures that show your item at different angles, as well as any features or flaws.
When you use My Messages, eBay has access to the conversation between buyer and seller. So if an issue comes up, we'll be able to review your communications in order to help resolve it.
It's good business to include a thank-you note with your shipment. It's just as smart to add a copy of your return policy for the item, too. Be clear and specific. For example:
For clothing: Item must be unworn. (Tip: Use a tagging gun and place tags so that the item can't be worn.)
For toys: Item must be unopened and original packing intact. (Tip: Affix a sticker on the package lid or opening.)
It's a best practice not to charge a restocking fee but you can charge up to 15% of the item price—helpful if you sell items that require a lot of handling.
Once buyers have received the item (verify with your tracking information) they can initiate a return within the timeframe you've set.
Before issuing a refund, wait until you receive the returned item. You then have up to 5 business days to issue the refund.
It's important to keep your return address up to date, so if a buyer does need to return an item, it will arrive safely. To update your profile, visit My eBay > Account > Click "Addresses" on the left side of the page.
Check Selling Reminders on the My eBay All Selling page or the new Listing Improvement section of the Selling Manager summary pages to see which of your listings need to be updated to include returns or 1-day or shorter handling. From here, you can quickly edit those listings in bulk.