Getting a request for a return on eBay can be disheartening. Not only does it mean you’re likely going to be losing money from a sale you made, but it also results in a freezing of your funds and other annoying complications. Learning how to get fewer returns on eBay can help you become a better, more profitable seller.
Let’s face it, returns are going to happen in general when selling items on eBay. Maybe the buyer just couldn’t fit the pair of shoes and wants to return the item? That’s part of having a reselling side hustle or business.
The goal here is to limit the number of returns, not completely get rid of them.
Take these actions to start getting fewer returns on eBay and earn more money.
Don’t sell electronics on eBay
There are a number of great pre-owned items you can sell on eBay, but electronics are not one of them. Used tech isn’t a great category to sell in because:
- Sometimes it doesn’t work
- It can break during shipping
- Certain features might not work
It’s a horrible feeling to sell a tested electronic item that breaks during shipping and a buyer requests a refund. No one is ever sure if it broke during shipping or if the buyer broke it, but the seller will be the one refunding the money for a broken item.
Used tech does fetch a nice selling price on eBay, but it’s usually not worth the risk. Avoid it if you want to get fewer return requests.
Sell high-quality items
Chances for a return request are lower if you’re selling high-quality items that are in good condition. If you’re selling shirts without stains, holes or rips in them, buyers will be less likely to ask for a return.
This means you have to thoroughly check the items you’re listing on eBay and make sure they are in good shape. Don’t be lazy about the products you’re taking pictures of because it could come around to haunt you when you get a return request.
Make the buyer pay for return shipping
Buyers don’t want to go through the hassle of paying for shipping supplies so they can return an item. If you’re eBay policy is that you offer returns but the buyer has to pay for shipping, it’ll really limit the number of return requests you get.
Most people don’t know how to ship items and they don’t want to learn. Shipping can even be expensive depending on what the item is. For that reason, making the buyer pay for return shipping is a great way to get fewer return requests on eBay.
Make sure your listings are accurate
If you’re listing on eBay is inaccurate, buyers can request a return because the item was not as described (INAD). INADs don’t look great on your eBay account.
This means every item specific you add to your listing needs to be correct. Carefully go through them before you list your item. Also, make sure your description and title are also correct.
Conclusion: Returns can’t be avoided, only limited
The truth is returns are going to happen if you’re selling items on eBay. But depending on what you’re selling and how you sell it, you limit how many return requests you get.
At the end of the day, eBay will always side with the buyer, so it makes no sense to try and fight a return. Do what you can to make things right and move on. Charge it to the reselling game.