In this article
	Policy overview Buyer requirements for opening a case Cases that may be removed Cases that won't be removed Best practices to help avoid cases from being opened Why does eBay have this policy?

Policy overview

As a seller on eBay, it's important to remember that you're delivering more than items—you're also delivering service.

To keep customer service at the top of everyone's mind, we've asked sellers to meet our seller performance standards, including minimizing the number of eBay Buyer Protection and PayPal Buyer Protection cases that are closed without seller resolution.

This policy outlines some of the requirements that must be met for a buyer to open a case, as well as providing an overview of cases that count and don't count in your seller performance evaluation.

Buyer requirements for opening a case

There are a number of systematic checks in place that may prevent an eBay Buyer Protection or PayPal Buyer Protection case from being opened. If a buyer tries to open a case with you, but it doesn't pass our checks, a case won't be opened. We make sure that:

	The transaction is eligible for eBay Buyer Protection or PayPal Buyer Protection.
	The buyer has paid for the item.
	The buyer hasn't already received a refund via PayPal.
	A case hasn't already been opened for the same transaction (this includes cases under eBay Buyer Protection, PayPal Buyer Protection, or Vehicle Purchase Protection).
	Based on delivery estimates, enough time has passed from payment to when a buyer should have received an item.

An open case does not count against seller performance unless it is closed without seller resolution.

Cases that may be removed

Cases closed without seller resolution will affect a seller's performance evaluation. Our seller performance standards provide detailed information on how cases affect seller status.

Cases opened in any of the following scenarios will be automatically removed:

• Cases that have been escalated and closed in the seller's favor or no one is found at fault.

• Cases in which a seller issued a refund before the case was escalated to eBay; and the seller is registered on eBay.com and meets performance standards.

• Cases in which the buyer is found abusing the eBay Buyer Protection program, or found to be opened by a competitor with the intention of negatively affecting a seller's performance standing.

• Cases in which the buyer has been suspended for a severe policy violation.

If you're sure a case fits the requirements above, and wasn't removed from your seller performance evaluation, please contact us.

Cases that won't be removed

eBay's goal is to promote sellers who deliver issue-free transactions and provide excellent customer service. In general, cases closed without seller resolution won't be removed from the seller's performance evaluation.

Best practices to help avoid cases from being opened

Here are examples of best practices that may help cases from being opened:

• Send the buyer a message acknowledging when payment has been received, when the item is expected to be shipped, and confirmation once the item has been shipped.

• Upload tracking or delivery confirmation information as soon as it is available.

• Accept returns, while clearly outlining whether a restocking fee applies.

• Communicate professionally with the buyer at all times, from listing to sale to delivery.

For more tips, see our selling practices policy.