What Should Sellers Know About the eBay No-Return Policy?
The standard practice for many online customers is checking the return rules for a listing they're considering. That being said, eBay's selling software offers you many different options when it comes to buyers' returns, including an eBay no-return policy. If you want to find out more about this option, but also check some other possible solutions, just read on.
This policy implies that sellers can deny the buyer's refund if there are no valid reasons for it. You can state your rule against returning items, but keep in mind that some customers can still send their requests - which you can then simply decline. However, note that allowing returns can result in a positive customer experience, which can only be helpful to your profit margins.
What Is an eBay No Return Policy?
If customers have a change of heart and want to send the purchased items back, they need to ask sellers if returning the item is possible. When you start an online store on this multi-vendor marketplace platform, the decision will be completely up to you.
No return policy on eBay implies that buyers' requests can be completely denied. If you choose to go with it, ensure it's clearly stated on your listings. That being said, keep in mind that customers can still submit their requests. You can decline these requests only if customers have simply changed their minds, not if something is wrong with the purchased product
How Can a Seller Decline the Request From a Buyer on eBay?
Requests that are submitted because the buyers have changed their minds can be denied simply and without any consequences to the seller. Here are the steps you need to take:
- Go to the Returns dashboard,
- Click on View return details,
- Choose the Decline the return option and then Continue,
- Enter why you're denying the request (the reason won't be visible to your buyer),
- Choose Decline return.
If the buyer doesn't have any other valid reasons for their request, the request will be closed and the buyer will be notified.
Can a Buyer Ship Back a Product if the Request Is Not Accepted?
There are cases when you're obliged to accept the request. If the bought product is faulty, damaged, or not as described, a Money Back Guarantee gives customers the right to request and get a full money refund. At the same time, sellers will be responsible for all the additional eBay fees regarding shipping costs.
What Other eBay Return Policies Can a Seller Choose?
Similar to some of the best online spring platforms (such as Etsy or, for example, Shopify), this marketplace has several different options to choose from when it comes to the customers' requests for returning an item. Besides the eBay return policy with no returns, there are other types, such as:
- Thirty-day (free of charge),
- Thirty-day (buyer-paid),
- Sixty-day (free of charge),
- Sixty-day (buyer-paid).
While some platforms may have no return policy for second-hand items, it's not the case with eBay's marketplace. Whether you plan on selling used clothes, shoes, electronics, or new and unused items, the rules about returning and refunding are up to you.
Should Your Online Business Allow an Item Return?
When starting an eCommerce business, you should consider the fact that stores that use online selling tools have more requests for returning products than physical ones. Studies have shown that 25% of all consumers tend to send back up to 15% of items bought online - and a change of heart is the third reason for it.
So why should a seller offer returns for these purchases? The answer is simple - to be helpful and provide a great customer experience. Studies show that customers who had a positive experience when returning a product are more likely to make new purchases at the same online seller.
Not only that, but note that both satisfied and unsatisfied buyers can leave verified reviews on this online marketplace platform. Their good experience can help attract more customers and increase your sales. Moreover, if the buyers see that returning a product is accepted, they'll be more likely to purchase an item you're selling.
If you need additional advice on how to manage returns on this platform, take a look at the following video:
How Can You Set Your Return Rules for Your Ecommerce Business?
If you decide to allow your customers to send back a purchased item, they'll be able to send it back for a full refund. At the same time, keep in mind that rules about returning items can be handled automatically. It can be very helpful once you succeed in eCommerce and don't have time to respond to each request individually.
In order to do so, you need to go to the Returns preferences. Under the Send a refund and Approve return options, you can choose when and to which amount the refund applies. After you're done, the set rules will automatically apply to all new requests (but not those already in progress).
If you wish to accept the request manually, you need to select Accept the return option and choose who's responsible for shipping. Then, all you have to do is add the Return Merchandise Authorization number and choose the Confirm option. After you receive the returned item, you must refund the money to the buyer within two days. If you fail to do so, the platform may do it on your behalf.
Make Sure Your Returns Policy Does Not Lose You Any Potential Buyers
Although having a no-return rule may seem like a budget-friendly solution, accepting returning items can be more helpful when it comes to earning more money. Consider this option on all platforms you're using, not just eBay.
On the other hand, when you sell on multiple platforms, know that you can avoid unnecessary and costly mistakes by using ZipSale, a multi-channel listing software for selling online. This cross-posting app can save you a lot of time and energy by automatically managing your inventory list. ZipSale will help you increase sales, track your listings, gain more visibility, and organize shipping. If you want to help your eCommerce business grow, make sure you sign up for this cross-posting tool as soon as possible and choose the best plan for you.