Returns
Attract and retain buyers with a great returns policy.
How returns work
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Returns policies that meet buyers' expectations
We strive to deliver a returns experience that is consistent and competitive with a modern marketplace. Our five return policy options help streamline the returns experience for our buyers. You may choose to offer:
- No returns accepted
- 30-day buyer-paid returns
- 30-day free returns
- 60-day buyer-paid returns
- 60-day free returns
Attract buyers with free returns
Move to the policy that can give you up to a 25% conversion lift.†
|
If you currently offer: |
And you move to: |
Your conversion lift* could be: |
|
No returns |
30-day free returns |
15% |
|
60-day free returns |
25% |
|
|
14-day returns (buyer pays return shipping) |
30-day free returns |
10% |
|
60-day free returns |
20% |
|
|
30-day returns (buyer pays return shipping) |
30-day free returns |
5% |
|
60-day free returns |
13% |
†Conversion lift seen based on Q3 2017 data. Individual results may vary. eBay does not guarantee that each seller will experience the same lift or any lift at all. "Free returns" refers to when the seller pays return shipping no matter the reason for return, with no restocking fee.
Returns Calculator
When you move to free returns, use this calculator to estimate how much you might add to each item you sell to compensate for the cost of returns.
Provide from last 90 days:
Lookup Transactions here
Lookup Returns here
Total cost of return shipping.
Select which policy you currently have and which policy you'll update to:
Simplify customer service
eBay automates some steps—like return acceptance when your policy permits returns due to buyer's remorse. You can customize other steps—like when you issue immediate refunds. This can simplify the entire process for both you and buyers.
Click the tabs below to learn more about customizing and optimizing returns.
Choose when to give immediate refunds
For instance, maybe you want to always offer immediate refunds for clothes that don't fit—create return rules to let that happen. Your life just got easier!
Partial refund option
You can offer a partial refund if a returned item is damaged, missing parts, or otherwise not in the same condition as when you shipped it.
Enjoy automatic acceptance
Automatic acceptance of returns simplifies the returns process.
When you're OK with buyers paying to ship back items they no longer want, requests for returns are accepted automatically and we’ll provide the buyer with a return shipping label.
If you're responsible for the cost of return shipping, you still have three business days to provide your own return label before one is automatically sent to the buyer. This usually occurs if you offer free returns or if the buyer has an issue with an item.
No return requests due to buyer's remorse will be accepted automatically if your policy doesn’t permit it.
Offer replacements and exchanges
Offering replacements—items identical to the original—and exchanges—items that are different—can help buyers feel better about their purchase. Just be sure to have plenty of stock when offering either of these options.
You can even allow the buyer to keep the original item in cases when you don't want it back.
Keep returns to a minimum
- Ensure your products match accurate item description and clear photos.
- Remove products with high rates of manufacturing flaws from your inventory.
- Make sure you aren't sending the wrong items.
- Use checklists for items with many parts, or for multiple items in a combined shipment to avoid missing pieces.
- Package items securely to prevent damage in shipment.
- Check returned items carefully before issuing a refund.
- Issue refunds quickly—preferably within 2 days of receiving a return.
- Ask eBay to help you resolve an issue.
- Keep a valid return address on file, and manage multiple addresses through your preferences.
6 ways to reduce returns
- Reduce the number of items that arrive damaged
- Improve your packaging to prevent damage in shipment.
- Inspect refurbished and used items more closely for hidden defects and damage. Call these out clearly in your listing description and photos.
- Reduce the number of items that don’t work or are defective
- Ensure new items are described accurately, sealed, and are in their original packaging.
- Inspect refurbished and used items more closely for hidden defects and damage. Call these out clearly in your listing description and photos.
- Remove products with high rates of manufacturing flaws from your inventory.
- Make sure you aren’t missing parts
- Inspect packages more closely to ensure all items ordered are included and correct.
- Check open box items to ensure all components are present and function as expected.
- Use checklists for items with many parts, or for multiple items in a combined shipment.
- Make sure you aren’t sending the wrong items
- Inspect packages more closely to ensure all items ordered are included and correct.
- Check open box items to ensure all components are correct.
- Use checklists for items with many parts, or for multiple items in a combined shipment.
- Make sure your product is authentic
- It is illegal to sell counterfeits, fakes, or replicas of brand name items. We don’t allow these to be sold on eBay. Please refer to our policy on counterfeit and replica items.
- Misusing brand names and keywords to manipulate search results can also result in false buyer expectations. Don't make comparisons or reference brands that aren't the same brand you're selling.
- Ensure your products match their descriptions or photos
- Clearly and accurately describe your items and return policies.
- Use lots of high-quality photos and item specifics in your listings to set the right buyer expectations. Photos help buyers to see exactly what they're getting as well as specific details they may be looking for.
- When selling used items, photos are especially important because they let the buyer see the actual condition of the item along with other details like color.
- Specify your item’s condition using structured specifics and ensure the selected condition is accurate and consistent with the rest of the item description.
Tools and resources
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FAQs
- Is offering returns optional for sellers?
Yes, offering a return policy is an option for all sellers. You can offer returns on individual or all items and distinguish between domestic and international return policies.
Listings from Top Rated sellers must offer a 30-day free return policy to qualify for the Top Rated Plus discount and seal.
- Can buyers request a return even if I don't offer returns?
Buyers are able to request a return for any reason.
- If I decide to automate my returns process, can I still choose my own label?
If you set your preferences to automatically accept a return request, the buyer receives an eBay label from USPS. You may only use the "upload your own label" option when you're processing a return manually.
- Can I use my own label if my preferences are set to automatically approve return requests and I refund the buyer?
No. If your preferences are set to automate any portion of the return process, including offering a replacement, an automatic eBay label will be sent to the buyer for return shipping. You may only use your own label in cases where you manually approve returns.
- Can I use Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) numbers?
Yes.
- How do I add RMA numbers?
Select the "RMA number" option in Return Preferences.
- How do I handle returns of multiple items from the same buyer?
If a buyer requests a return for multiple items at once and your preferences are set to manually approve returns, you can approve the request and provide a single return-shipping label to your buyer. Be sure to clearly communicate to your buyer what to do and add the relevant tracking information for all returns.
- Can buyers initiate a single return for more than one item?
No. Unless they were purchased as part of a multi-quantity item, buyers must initiate a return for each item individually.
- How are multi-quantity items handled?
Buyers are able to return multiple quantities of the same item with a single return, but can only initiate one return for each multi-quantity item purchase. For example, if the buyer initiates a return for 3 of 10 shirts purchased as a multi-quantity item, they will not be able to initiate a return for the remaining 7 shirts at a later date.
