Do I have to accept a request for a return (eBay)?

Kel_3

I've been a seller on EBay for nearly 14 years and today I have had my first request for a return (even though I state no returns). I sold a girls dress and the buyer is claiming it is too small and comes up small. I stated the the age on the label in the listing and it fit my daughter when she was said age.

My question is do I have to accept the return and if I don't, what would happen? Also, if I do accept do I have to refund her original postage plus the price of the dress?

Thanks

Kel

mrcol1000

If they have opened a request for a return as it is not as described then if you accept the return you will most likely be charged by Ebay for a return label. Regardless you will have to refund them in full including any postage charge you made.

You can refuse the refund but if they ask Ebay to step in then you may end up having to refund them without getting the item back. It depends how much money it is and if you think it is worth risking. They could just accept you refuse, they might leave negative feedback. It doesn't really whether you accept returns or not. If the buyer claims it is not as described then they can ask for a return.

Kel_3

Thanks for the reply Mrcol. I don't see how it can not be as described if I stated the correct size :huh: the label states 5-6 and it fitted my daughter when she was 5-6, I wouldn't possibly know if it would fit every 5-6 year old in the country! Typically the buyer has 'private' feedback as well

Kel_3

Just checked and she's put the reason for the return as 'doesn't fit' and comment 'very small'

KRDmum

Some shops that sell children's clothes like George and Next for example, are known for their sizing to be 'big', when Jules, Gap and M&S (depending on the item) are quite small made, same applies to most of the designer clothing. My 2 y.o DD has been given a Jules top and the label states age 5, luckily it was a hand me down and I had spotted that it was quite small made.

I would advise to accept the return, but maybe first try to negotiate with the buyer about postage. I had two returns with the reason 'doesn't fit' and because I stated that sizes and measurements were in the description, buyers agreed to return at their own cost and to a refund minus original postage.

Flyonthewall

As already said, you're best off accepting the return and because it's a not as described case you'll have to pay postage. You're possibly best off supplying a postage label as you may get it cheaper than what ebay charge to return (£2.99 I believe).

No returns means if the buyer changes their mind. Otherwise no returns is meaningless as the buyer can still return it.

If the buyer has (or you could get them to) admit the size on the label does state the size you have listed it as you could contact ebay and state it is as described and buyer has agreed that. Ebay should close the case in your favour then.

Different brands can vary slightly so it's maybe best to put measurements in the listings, although there may be some awkward buyers that will argue you're a few mm out if they really want to return an item. However, it should stop certain buyers buying it if it's slightly bigger or small than they'd expect for the age/size on the label.

forgotmyname

They are likely to win any dispute so you may as well take the easy option and get them to return it and refund them.

Clothes sizes are difficult, ages 5 - 6 can vary a lot, compare other children of the same age and ther can be a large variation.

LadyDee

It is especially difficult with children's sizes - just stand outside a school and watch all the differing sizes and shapes emerge, all the same age. Going by age doesn't mean a thing. As a seller I would have given the actual measurements, as a buyer I would have asked for them.

Just as difficult for adults. I'm an M&S size 12, TU 14 and Primark 14-16! Oh, and Lidl sometimes a 12 and sometimes a 14.

bxboards

Kel wrote: »

Just checked and she's put the reason for the return as 'doesn't fit' and comment 'very small'

I guess 'doesnt fit' is a change of mind return, not a not as described return?

Tell the buyer if their kid is too fat, to feed them less and exercise them more..you get the gist.... why not suggest they just re-sell it 'so they can avoid paying return postage'