My new returns policy

sparky0138

I'm a private seller and list only a few items per month. In the past I've stated "no returns" but I've always been happy to sort out any problems and have issued a couple of refunds when things haven't worked out. Anyway, I thought it was about time I offered to accept returns so I've made up a returns policy. I'd be really grateful if a few people could give it a quick read and point out any potential problems with what I've wrote. Thanks.

If you are not completely satisfied with your item, you may return it to me in its original condition and in its original packaging (if practical) for a refund within 7 days of receipt.

I always describe my items as accurately as possible so if you have a genuine reason why you think the item you have received is not as described, I will be happy to provide a full refund (including return postage and the original postage and packaging charge) upon receipt of the returned item. This also applies to defective items (unless stated as such in the description) and items damaged in shipping.

If you have simply changed your mind about an item, you may return it to me in its original condition and in its original packaging (if practical) for a refund within 7 days of receipt, however the refund will not include return postage or the original postage and packaging charge.

BEFORE RETURNING AN ITEM, PLEASE CONTACT ME THROUGH EBAY TO INFORM ME OF YOUR REASON FOR WANTING A REFUND AND DO NOT SEND THE ITEM BACK UNTIL WE HAVE COME TO AN AGREEMENT.

The item is your responsibility until it reaches me. Therefore for your own protection I recommend that you send the package using a delivery service that insures you for the value of the goods and obtain proof of postage. A good rule of thumb is to use the same service I used when sending the item to you (but where I am responsible for the return postage, we must agree on a service and cost before you send the item back). eBay also recommends that you use tracking for your own protection. It will be up to you to contact the delivery company for compensation for any returned item that goes missing in the post.

If you have any issues with something I have sold you, please contact me so that we can work together to resolve the problem. I always try to be fair and negative feedback should only be left as a last resort.

Crowqueen

I'd not bid on that. Long terms put me off and they don't inspire confidence that you need to say all that.

Just put 'if you have any problems or delays please contact me'. As you know no returns doesn't mean that, so you need to accept items which the buyer claims are SNAD and sort those sort of problems out. I give 14 days no quibble change of mind returns - never had to accept one and always sort a problem out very quickly, sometimes without needing the buyer to return if the item is DOA or a flaw is my fault for overlooking it. I have one line saying that and that's it.

You need to stick to short, friendly, inviting stuff.

That's also the sort of thing that gets people here posting links to auctions and laughing at the seller.

RFW

Crowqueen wrote: »

I'd not bid on that. Long terms put me off and they don't inspire confidence that you need to say all that.

Totally agree, I gave up after the first sentence. There's no need for long terms, they're pointless (Ebay will overrule them as they see fit) and counterproductive (they put buyers off).

If you want to add extra terms and think they're worthwhile put them on your 'about me' page with a link to them on the item page.

...Time_for_a_brew_then..

My terms on my (private) selling account are:-

You bid, You win, You pay.
I'll post out to you within 1 working day of payment.

I don't think anymore is needed, but i do send a second invoice after 2 days asking if they need more time to pay and if there is a problem paying via Paypal would they prefer to send a postal order or use Bank transfer.

99% of the time the delay is because they bid on a smartphone and they 'forgot' to check on their computer... The other 1% never reply and end up with an unpaid item strike...

Rhymsta

I actually love those long lists of terms and conditions - makes me think that, as a buyer, I won't be competing against as many others as I would have been without the off putting terms. Amazing how often I've got a bargain...

Crowqueen

You bid, You win, You pay.
I'll post out to you within 1 working day of payment.

Rather aggressive - try getting rid of the first sentence.

The first thing I learned from the forums when I showed people my terms was to turn negative aspects into positives. They said there was no need to tell people to pay (that was a given), no need to mention people with -1 feedback or strikes were blocked (just let the software do the work) and no need to make people feel like they have to jump through hoops.

It's all about encouragement. Buyers don't have to buy from you. Make them want to.

Also no real need to tell people when you will post. That should be obvious from the estimated delivery date (now shown as opposed to delivery time) which is right in front of your buyer's eyes when they open the listing. If they can see you have a prompt delivery time, then that eliminates the need to tell them when you dispatch.

You also want to focus on the buyer's need in the event of a problem to contact you. Therefore a bit about being open to contact is important, and I usually message the buyer afterwards to make sure they understand that.

Meadows

As others have said, I'd rather not bother.
With long T&C's you lose the will to live by having to read through them and I would select another seller and pay a few pence more than have someone quote long policies.

sparky0138

Thanks. You make some excellent points and I'll definitely follow your advice. I'm glad I posted now, cheers!

squeakysue

I don't put terms on my items, I just follow eBay procedure for any returns if problems arise, but I am a private seller

macfly

sparky0138 wrote: »

If you have simply changed your mind about an item, you may return it to me in its original condition and in its original packaging (if practical) for a refund within 7 days of receipt, however the refund will not include return postage or the original postage and packaging charge.

There's no way you can enforce that bit either.

techspec

sparky0138 wrote: »

I'm a private seller and list only a few items per month. In the past I've stated "no returns" but I've always been happy to sort out any problems and have issued a couple of refunds when things haven't worked out. Anyway, I thought it was about time I offered to accept returns so I've made up a returns policy. I'd be really grateful if a few people could give it a quick read and point out any potential problems with what I've wrote. Thanks.

If you are not completely satisfied with your item, you may return it to me in its original condition and in its original packaging (if practical) for a refund within 7 days of receipt.

I always describe my items as accurately as possible so if you have a genuine reason why you think the item you have received is not as described, I will be happy to provide a full refund (including return postage and the original postage and packaging charge) upon receipt of the returned item. This also applies to defective items (unless stated as such in the description) and items damaged in shipping.

If you have simply changed your mind about an item, you may return it to me in its original condition and in its original packaging (if practical) for a refund within 7 days of receipt, however the refund will not include return postage or the original postage and packaging charge.

BEFORE RETURNING AN ITEM, PLEASE CONTACT ME THROUGH EBAY TO INFORM ME OF YOUR REASON FOR WANTING A REFUND AND DO NOT SEND THE ITEM BACK UNTIL WE HAVE COME TO AN AGREEMENT.

The item is your responsibility until it reaches me. Therefore for your own protection I recommend that you send the package using a delivery service that insures you for the value of the goods and obtain proof of postage. A good rule of thumb is to use the same service I used when sending the item to you (but where I am responsible for the return postage, we must agree on a service and cost before you send the item back). eBay also recommends that you use tracking for your own protection. It will be up to you to contact the delivery company for compensation for any returned item that goes missing in the post.

If you have any issues with something I have sold you, please contact me so that we can work together to resolve the problem. I always try to be fair and negative feedback should only be left as a last resort.

Whens your next novel out :rotfl::rotfl: