eBay's exact returns policy

theonlywayisup

eirroc wrote: »

As far as I'm aware eBay aren't governed by anyone, so I think it just comes down to eBay's rules rather than the law, which is why I was trying to find out their specific rules as I'm just getting contradictory information between the guidelines set out on their website, and CS. Seems like no-one can clarify it though There must be consistency somewhere in eBay it's just trying to find out what the actual set rules are, it's proving more problematic than expected!

It is problematic because there will always be buyers and sellers who do not want to abide by the rules; ebay's or the law.

If the item is a change of mind return it should be returned in the same condition as was received, with tags, bags, free gifts all in tact.

If the item is a SNAD, then it just needs to be returned. There is no requirement to return original packing.

However, some buyers don't like to pay their own return postage and claim an item is SNAD so the seller has to pay. In these cases, these are also the same buyers who don't pack the item well, don't include the manual/packing/tabs as per how it was sent.

These are the buyers that will eat at your profits. These are the ones that mean you need to put contingency plans in place in order you don't lose too much money. Adding a small premium to those types or items, or all your items is something you might think about to self insure for the bad buyer scenario.

Really, you are over-reading.

Just to add, eBay have no way of policing the returns as they never see the item or the return. Therefore they have put a system in place which is as fair as they can make it. People will always abuse things and eBay returns are no different.

Ebay have to abide by the rules of the country they are allowing trade on. If you buy on the UK site, you are protected by UK law, but chasing legislation is costly and time consuming. Using eBay rules is an easier option. Ebay want the seller to go above and beyond UK law.

eirroc

It is problematic because there will always be buyers and sellers who do not want to abide by the rules; ebay's or the law.

Sorry what I meant by problematic for me was, problematic in trying to find a definite answer.

If the item is a change of mind return it should be returned in the same condition as was received, with tags, bags, free gifts all in tact.

That's what I was looking for thank you! Seems strange that eBay don't say that when you speak to them though, I would have thought it would be consistent throughout eBay but it's not?

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head

theonlywayisup wrote: »

Therefore they have put a system in place which is as fair as they can make it.

That is half true, the other half is they completely ignore their terms and do what they want.

A lenient return policy is strongly recommended, except in circumstances where the buyer is at fault:

• The wrong item is returned.
• You receive an empty box.
• The item doesn't meet the item condition policy for returns.
• The item is reported as "not as described" to avoid return postage charges.

In instances like this, a buyer may escalate the issue to Customer Support, who will review and consider your communications with the buyer as well as the information you provide in the report. If photos would be helpful for documenting the condition of the item you sold and posted


When does that ever happen?

Kim_13

If that is a copy and paste from their terms, which it looks like, then they don't even go to the trouble of not mixing up the buyer and seller in the first sentence of the last paragraph; never mind apply it.

Also, missing words. "If photos would be helpful..." Surely it should read 'If you have photos, these would be helpful.'

Never happens from what I can see. The guy who posted on here recently about his watch sale should have fallen under this, but eBay let the buyer get away with it and the seller has had to take the costs of having the item assessed to ensure it wasn't swapped for a fake. AND eBay still want their seller fees when because of their failure to apply their own terms, the seller has sold nothing...

GabbaGabbaHey

eirroc wrote: »

And of course used knickers would go in the bin as would used make up!

There are (allegedly) categories on eBay where used knickers sell at a significant premium over unused ones!

eirroc

Ebay have to abide by the rules of the country they are allowing trade on. If you buy on the UK site, you are protected by UK law, but chasing legislation is costly and time consuming.

Thanks for all the replies, and thank you for clarifying the returns, I was getting so many different answers from eBay it's good to have a solid reply. But curious about this as in the quote above? So to clarify they are governed by EU legistlation? It's just an earlier post said not to compare them.

theonlywayisup

eirroc wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies, and thank you for clarifying the returns, I was getting so many different answers from eBay it's good to have a solid reply. But curious about this as in the quote above? So to clarify they are governed by EU legistlation? It's just an earlier post said not to compare them.

Don't compare them because buyers/sellers on eBay will where needed push the rules to suit them. Just look at the comments on a current thread where a poster is advocating claiming SNAD on a sofa which has developed a fault. That isn't SNAD, but some people have no morals and will lie to take an easy route to their money back.

Ultimately the law of the country is behind you, but being protected by that is both costly and time consuming. Sometimes it is easier and costs less to pay up and move on.

If you are over analysing before you've had a contentious return, I would suggest that Ebay may not be for you.

eirroc

If you are over analysing before you've had a contentious return, I would suggest that Ebay may not be for you.

Like every seller I've had my fair share of contentious returns over the years.
But thank you for clarifying what I needed to know. :-)