Information, comments on and examples of return policies.

This is the best for sellers...

ITEM  MUST BE RETUNED WITHIN:    7 DAYS

REFUND WILL BE GIVEN AS:  merchandise credit

Return Policy details: If the items are not as described, we will offer a Merchandise Credit. In most cases this will be minus shipping and Ebay fees, although if it was a blatant mistake by us we'll pick up everything . Bottom line, we want you happy!

Analysis: This offers almost absolutely NOTHING...yet sounds AWESOME.

It is Positive and Upbeat. Whats not to like?

WHY HAVE A RETURN POLICY?

Sellers need a return policy to cover & protect yourself. A return policy can make a buyer more comfortable. Some credit card companies are honoring seller policies. A well written policy can possibly prevent seller from having to do a full credit card refund if the buyer returns the item and this is not in accordance with your policy.

Noting "no returns", "shipping charges are not refundable" or "restocking fee may be charged"  is good business.  Sound policies protect the seller. You can always make exceptions for your best customers.

RETURN POLICY - possible components:

We have included some examples..possibly good or bad. See how they sound to you.

• We try to be fair and accurate with all my auctions and descriptions. Please read each auction and bid carefully.

• We give you the information that is supplied by our vendors. If this information is incorrect, please email me before leaving negative feedback.

• This is not a retail store. All sales are final. 

• We do not offer refunds on any item unless is grossly misrepresented. If a refund is given it will only be for the cost of the item. Shipping and Handling is non refundable. Restocking and other fees may be charged.

• If there is a problem, we can work together to resolve the problem. I have always been extremely fair and always try to work with my reasonable customers. Negative feedback doesn't go away and should only be left as a last resort! I strive for positive feedback, harmonious relations and even some friendships.

• We will make every attempt possible to resolve the issue if we made a mistake.(It happens). Please do not assume a mistake is intentional. Let us know if our service could be better!!

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 Seller EBAY Listing Tips

1. Picture of actual object being sold protects you. If you use a stock photo, note.

2. Note any discrepancies from objects in picture.{If you show a gorgeous girl next to your object wearing a $90,000 diamond tiara someone might think it is included. If you show two items to show different views , then they may think two are included.}

3. List item(s) included (and excluded). Note accessessory NOT included, which typically might be [like printer cable with printer] or note "anything not listed is excluded".

4. Note if used. Note condition. Note scratches, or "as is". Note working condition or "untested".

5. Understand there are PEOPLE LOOKING FOR STEALS. A few unscrupulous people want unreasonable deals. Even those that sell the exact same items and KNOW the true cost/price may abuse you if your listing can be in anyway construed differently. If you offer 75 different colors...YES you guessed it, they will think all are 75 included for one low price. People may have zero business acumen or have no concept of quid pro quo. New buyers are especially a challenge.

6. Consider carefully if offering media mail (cheaper shipping) is worth the risk of bad feedback. Only offer it as an alternative and not as the default.

7. Consider carefully if offering "as is" items..is worth risking your EBAY reputation.

8. Consider carefully if offering "designer -types' is worth it..or...

Develop a tough skin, leave feedback only after it is given, cover yourself with policies and if you get a bad feedback..DO NOT PULL THE LISTING. That is YOUR chance to tell your side.  Make an addendum to the listing and in the most positive terms possible, explain again what you are selling. Then terminate the listing if you want. It could just be one person's opinion of your item and the fact they want something for nothing. People will search for your listings with negative feedback. Make sure anything left reflects favorably on you.  You can also reply to feedback left. Just be upbeat.

My unofficial policy for a while was "one hundred percent refund, good feedback left by both parties, cooperation in getting seller fees refunded, and BUYER did not have to return the item." I have had buyers NOT comply. Give the refund AFTER the buyer has cooperated in getting seller fees returned.

Calm down when you get an upset buyer. It happens. Watch your tone. Investigate thoroughly your listing. 

Cash and checks take time to get. Risky. I do not take them.

And the US mail will lose a percentage of your stuff coming or going.  I now track 100 percent of US sales. No the post office is not my friend.

AVOID SPECIAL SERVICES. The usps took five days to do on a overnight fedex to Hollywood.  If you do not wait at the counter for a receipt you have no recourse with the USPS for Fedex. Only offer services that make sense to you. However I will do a signature required on my dime  If I send to NY city..or Miami..or Washington DC....where I think there is a greater liklihood of loss.

Block any bidder that  ask question such that you do not have a comfortable feeling about dealing with (or further dealing with)  the person. Bad sales take so much time. Try to set up clear and complete ads.

This is a block bidder link

http://offer.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?BidderBlockLogin

Remember one thing in setting up your refund policy. I have YET to have a product returned in salable condition. The packaging was smushed. Lately, I just offered a couple dollars off (partial refund) then they did not have to return, and they were happy.

Tips when buying:

As a buyer when I got a DOA (non working printer) I helped sell it and it was resold and sent from my place. Bulky items or heavy items cost more in shipping...so being able to return really does you no good. As a buyer you want to watch the seller reputation and feedback.

I bought a watch from Germany and lost the pin day one. It was on oversize one. Even though I already left feedback and it was a private transaction..the seller for no money, mailed me a new pin. But buying something where parts are hard to get is risky. Update..I bought a second watch from this German Seller. It quit working after a few days, He sent me a new one. Great seller.. Some sellers have integrity. Don't always buy from the cheapest...remember serivce after the sale.

To protect yourself..as a buyer..copy all the materials ...and correspondance. Also check your purchases immediately. When you get the email from Ebay about a win, you can red flag the email in Outlook express, and or set up a follow-up ebay sales folder, and even create a file for each transaction. Ebay also keeps your correspondance too, if you go through them.    I'm a CERTIFIED FRAUD EXAMINER..I've never been taken for a ride on EBAY or Paypal. Check out my new Buyer Guide. I have always gotten my money back. (I did get some old product -though -best to ask about expiration dates).

The web site for Certified Fraud Examiners (as requested) is www acfe com   You become a certified fraud examiner by taking a test and submitting education /experience. They have activity outside the US.

As a seller, I always try to sell honestly. It is hard to always write every listing so it is clear to everyone. My integrtiy is such is have replaced entire orders or added more product when I mess up. I feel bad when sales go wrong it violates my Ebay should be fun and hassle free. 

Ebay is a tough sell because:

• there is so much competition and

• some buyers do no buy top end but expect it.

• Buyers also want immediate Paypal refunds without returning the item. What is WITH THAT?  

Write a good return policy and write policies like restocking fees may be assessed and all Ebay fees will be recovered. You know the buyer HAS to say the tranasction was not completed or you do not get your seller fees refunded..even when you do a full refund via Paypal. And yes some _____ buyers will simply not cooperate with your refund even after you refund them in full and allow them to keep the item.

Try to consider the horrendous amount of administrative time to manage a store.

One final thought..you might make insurance MANDATORY.  Otherwise you will replace all lost items if they pay via paypal. Insurance means careful packing becuase if the USPS can skate on replacement they will. Also is a time consuming process to claim.

Good Luck and happy Ebaying.