Ebay Question: Are they requiring sellers to take returns now?

Raybob15239 · May 22, 2009 1:30PM

Did I understand this correctly, that seller are now required to take returns? If this is the case, I'm done selling on ebay. I can't afford to be an approval service and eat postage charges, and frankly, I don't trust buyers not to pull a switch... Maybe I'm reading this wrong and its not an issue. Maybe I'm just tired and not thinking straight.

Anyway, for all you regular ebay sellers, what is the deal? can we still say that we only take returns if the item is not genuine or do we have to bend over and grease up?

Thanks

Robb · May 22, 2009 1:35PM

You can say what you want as long as you want but so long as your buyer uses PayPal it won't matter.

EDIT: If the buyer is not happy and wants to return the item all he has to do is file a claim for Item Not As Described. He'll be required to mail it back to you. Once he provides a DC or tracking number then he'll get his money back.

BUT...

That can happen on transactions outside of eBay as well. It's a PayPal thing.

Raybob15239 · May 22, 2009 1:38PM

I guess that is true. I've never had an issue before. Only one time did anyone ever complain and it was on a 99 cent aluminum medal... I offered a refund, but he refused. Still, knock wood, I've not had a problem. I just see ebay getting very bad for sellers. fees are too high, and they make it impossible to neg the bad buyers, and leave sellers open for DSR/FB blackmail.

diamondman · May 22, 2009 1:40PM

Bend over and grease up! (required to take returns) via Paypal/Feebay.

cheezhed · May 22, 2009 1:43PM

If you sell quality items, have accurate photos and stand behind what you sell, you will never have a return.

PawPaul · May 22, 2009 1:49PM

<< If you sell quality items, have accurate photos and stand behind what you sell, you will never have a return. >>

..........And if you don't -

Unknown · May 22, 2009 2:19PM

This content has been removed.

coindeuce · May 22, 2009 2:26PM

<< If you sell quality items, have accurate photos and stand behind what you sell, you will never have a return. >>

Uh huh. And this mindset will make all of the scum e-scammers just slither away in humility.

CaptHenway · May 22, 2009 2:26PM

<< If you sell quality items, have accurate photos and stand behind what you sell, you will never have a return. >>

Hah! We sold an unopened GSA dollar, sent it to the winner, and he returned it because, in his words in the complaint, it was not unopened. It was mere coincidence that the coin he sent back was all baggy.

OneCent · May 22, 2009 2:31PM

Kudos to E-Bay. Great policy!

KentuckyJ · May 22, 2009 2:34PM

> f you sell quality items, have accurate photos and stand behind what you sell, you will never have a return

Never say "never." It has a habit of coming back to bite you.

MacCrimmon · May 22, 2009 2:39PM

<< 

<< If you sell quality items, have accurate photos and stand behind what you sell, you will never have a return. >>

Hah! We sold an unopened GSA dollar, sent it to the winner, and he returned it because, in his words in the complaint, it was not unopened. It was mere coincidence that the coin he sent back was all baggy. >>

What's the market price on unopened GSAs these days?

19Lyds · May 22, 2009 2:41PM

I've only had a roll of coins returned in over a thousand transactions so I don;t really have a problem with this.

As for the seller refunding shipping charges on a return, well, thats just bogus. Buyer pays the "non-refundable" shipping upon purchase (or they can drive out and pick it up) and if the BUYER wants to return the coin, then the BUYER can pay the shipping in that direction as well.

BlindedByEgo · May 22, 2009 3:31PM

I've never had a reurn on eBay... OTOH, I've not been an active seller on eBay for many years.

garsmith · May 22, 2009 3:35PM

<< I've never had a reurn on eBay... OTOH, I've not been an active seller on eBay for many years. >>

I've never had one on eBay; I have had a couple here on the B/S/T's

CoinJunkie · May 22, 2009 3:55PM

<< Did I understand this correctly, that seller are now required to take returns? >>

No, I don't think you did. The way I read it, all that will change is that each listing must explicitly state
the seller's return policy.

grote15 · May 22, 2009 5:37PM

All sellers must accept returns regardless of what disclaimers they stipulate if the buyer uses Paypal for payment.

TavernTreasures · May 22, 2009 6:10PM

<< If you sell quality items, have accurate photos and stand behind what you sell, you will never have a return. >>

If your buyer later decides he overpaid for your quality item (that had accurate photos and was sold by a seller who stands behind what he sells).......then.....you are in for a rude awakening when this buyer gets paypal/ebay to force you take his return (by using some feeble excuse on how the item was not as described).

PerryHall · May 22, 2009 9:36PM

<< 

<< If you sell quality items, have accurate photos and stand behind what you sell, you will never have a return. >>

If your buyer later decides he overpaid for your quality item (that had accurate photos and was sold by a seller who stands behind what he sells).......then.....you are in for a rude awakening when this buyer gets paypal/ebay to force you take his return (by using some feeble excuse on how the item was not as described). >>

It sucks but I guess that is the cost of doing business.

PerryHall · May 22, 2009 9:38PM

<< I can't afford to be an approval service and eat postage charges...... >>

Why don't you charge buyers for shipping like every other seller?

PawPaul · May 22, 2009 10:05PM

the return issue has been the topic of multiple threads.............let me sum it up for you :

returns accepted = upstanding American , fair, honest, intelligent and well liked

no returns = commie subversive , a cheat, liar , stupid trickster and despised

BAJJERFAN · May 22, 2009 11:00PM

<< You can say what you want as long as you want but so long as your buyer uses PayPal it won't matter.

EDIT: If the buyer is not happy and wants to return the item all he has to do is file a claim for Item Not As Described. He'll be required to mail it back to you. Once he provides a DC or tracking number then he'll get his money back.

BUT...

That can happen on transactions outside of eBay as well. It's a PayPal thing. >>

Do you really believe there is any protection for either party on a BST deal where payment is through PayPal?

TwoSides2aCoin · May 22, 2009 11:10PM

<< 

<< If you sell quality items, have accurate photos and stand behind what you sell, you will never have a return. >>

Hah! We sold an unopened GSA dollar, sent it to the winner, and he returned it because, in his words in the complaint, it was not unopened. It was mere coincidence that the coin he sent back was all baggy. >>

hmmmmm

I sold beautifully toned '85 CC Morgan in a GSA holder on ebay. The buyer paid instantly and returned it that fast , too. Said "sorry, but I want an MS65, it's only a 65 on the reverse".

ctf_error_coins · May 22, 2009 11:54PM

<< the return issue has been the topic of multiple threads.............let me sum it up for you :

returns accepted = upstanding American , fair, honest, intelligent and well liked

no returns = commie subversive , a cheat, liar , stupid trickster and despised >>

I take exception to that last statement. These are Auctions that go to the highest bidder. I am not a retail store.

I do not take returns, it is an auction. My as described star rating is 4.9 so I am selling top quality coins.

Res · May 23, 2009 12:01AM

<< 

<< You can say what you want as long as you want but so long as your buyer uses PayPal it won't matter.

EDIT: If the buyer is not happy and wants to return the item all he has to do is file a claim for Item Not As Described. He'll be required to mail it back to you. Once he provides a DC or tracking number then he'll get his money back.

BUT...

That can happen on transactions outside of eBay as well. It's a PayPal thing. >>

Do you really believe there is any protection for either party on a BST deal where payment is through PayPal? >>

There is always protection when you pay with a credit card.

Robb · May 23, 2009 12:02AM

<< 

<< You can say what you want as long as you want but so long as your buyer uses PayPal it won't matter.

EDIT: If the buyer is not happy and wants to return the item all he has to do is file a claim for Item Not As Described. He'll be required to mail it back to you. Once he provides a DC or tracking number then he'll get his money back.

BUT...

That can happen on transactions outside of eBay as well. It's a PayPal thing. >>

Do you really believe there is any protection for either party on a BST deal where payment is through PayPal? >>

The protection in a SNAD claim will more than likely go to the buyer regardless of the venue that was used to make the deal.

YaHa · May 23, 2009 12:35AM

<< 

<< the return issue has been the topic of multiple threads.............let me sum it up for you :

returns accepted = upstanding American , fair, honest, intelligent and well liked

no returns = commie subversive , a cheat, liar , stupid trickster and despised >>

I take exception to that last statement. These are Auctions that go to the highest bidder. I am not a retail store.

I do not take returns, it is an auction. My as described star rating is 4.9 so I am selling top quality coins. >>

Do you remember how hard it was to back out of a "Contract" a buy/sale when ebay opened up their cyber doors? Now it seems the monopoly of ebay/paypal puts everything on the seller...

I have had a few auctioneers sell many average coins raw during fairgrounds auctions, online auctions and slient auctions, that I would never put up on ebay for this reason everyone is talking about... Although I don't get more people to view my items, it seems I do ok at the target price I expect with local and traveling coin buyers at the auctions in my area..

The local fairgrounds or country barns have what you call a blacklist when you register every auction, so first Mistake or buyers remorse warning, 2nd you are gone..

when bidding in a "AUCTION" rules of bids are a sale by Legal contract, the buyer owns the item he bids on or loses his future rights to bid (or) must pay a restocking fee if they change their mind..

Ebay has now taken the burden off buyers even more with these new policys. If most of you continue to sell with no backing, well it's like taking it up the rumrunner here with those people that think they have more knowledge that you.. It's call homework, not education.. Understand what your buying, homework is they key... Bidding wars is another..

I am affraid though in the new Credit Card bill Mr. President signed yesterday it might help buyers even more..

So... Ebay should put in their by laws when you become a member or are a exsisting member that there is a flat % fee for all returns to protect both the seller/buyer.. I mainly only sell slabs and target the type of buyer that knows the quality of a item.. High dollar items, not F/Vf old coins or Modern Junk..

Nice thread for a Weekend morning.

cheezhed · May 23, 2009 12:36AM

<< 

hmmmmm

I sold beautifully toned '85 CC Morgan in a GSA holder on ebay. The buyer paid instantly and returned it that fast , too. Said "sorry, but I want an MS65, it's only a 65 on the reverse".

>>

What was your return policy?

Did the coin sell again?

cheezhed · May 23, 2009 12:39AM

<< Did I understand this correctly, that seller are now required to take returns? If this is the case, I'm done selling on ebay. I can't afford to be an approval service and eat postage charges, and frankly, I don't trust buyers not to pull a switch... Maybe I'm reading this wrong and its not an issue. Maybe I'm just tired and not thinking straight.

Anyway, for all you regular ebay sellers, what is the deal? can we still say that we only take returns if the item is not genuine or do we have to bend over and grease up?

Thanks >>

I'm willing to guess that all the people who are against a returns accepted policy would like that very same courtesy extended to them on an item they bought if the need arises.

notwilight · May 23, 2009 12:39AM

<< the return issue has been the topic of multiple threads.............let me sum it up for you :

returns accepted = upstanding American , fair, honest, intelligent and well liked

no returns = commie subversive , a cheat, liar , stupid trickster and despised >>

Good summary. I've always taken returns. About the only returns I get are when the buyer makes a mistake and buys the wrong thing. When I cheerfully take it back they generally become a long term customer. Isn't is amazing that in this new fangled computer world, old fashioned customer service works. --Jerry

7over8 · May 23, 2009 1:40AM

Returns? It depends.

If the coin is certified by 3rd party service and all pics are there = No Returns.

If it is uncertified and pricey? Returns accepted.

If it is generic, cheap, highly volatile pricing, with good pics and writeup = No Returns.

Bullion based pricing = No Returns.

I know what most will say...........Why no returns? Why not?

The answer is simple, there is alot of WINDOW SHOPPERS / FLIPPERS / UNDECISIVE / SEEMINGLY ON APPROVAL shoppers on Ebay and I'm not willing to play their game.

They don't play that game in a B&M, or at a Show, or in an Auction. All of those are FINAL SALE. Why should it be any different on Ebay....

7over8 · May 23, 2009 1:42AM

An additional thought -

There could be a better alternative to Ebay, and when it comes their fees will plummet......

Time to get cracking on that model.

cheezhed · May 23, 2009 1:51AM

<< The answer is simple, there is alot of WINDOW SHOPPERS / FLIPPERS / UNDECISIVE / SEEMINGLY ON APPROVAL shoppers on Ebay and I'm not willing to play their game.

They don't play that game in a B&M, or at a Show, or in an Auction. All of those are FINAL SALE. Why should it be any different on Ebay.... >>

At a B&M, show or maybe an auction you have the opportunity to see the coin in hand, you don't have that luxury on ebay.

Opinions often can and do change when you have a coin in hand.

PerryHall · May 23, 2009 2:03AM

<< They don't play that game in a B&M, or at a Show, or in an Auction. All of those are FINAL SALE. Why should it be any different on Ebay.... >>

Duh!!! EBay sales are sight unseen.

diamondman · May 23, 2009 2:08AM

I have always allowed returns, but in my auctions I state NO returns on TPG , even though I know if they paid by Paypal or CC under Ebay rules I still have to take a return. It is just business , 99.8% of buyers are good people along with 99.8% of sellers. The 0.2% (bottom feeders,scum & scamers) are the ones that help screw it up for the rest of us.. I also believe there should be no return on bullion because of it's volatility. JMHO

cheezhed · May 23, 2009 2:17AM

I do agree on no returns for bullion, it just makes sense.

7over8 · May 23, 2009 2:40AM

Perry

Dont you think I know the coin is in hand under the other sales venues......so keep your "duh's" for your own use.....

It may be hard for some of you to get the point of the conversation......but........

The issue at hand is the UNDECISIVE BUYER........the kind that PROCRASTINATES and DWELLS over every little issue, they are the one's that make the selling experience a horror,,,,,,

IN ANY VENUE !

If you don't intend to keep it....DONT BUY IT......it's simple. If it looks bad in pics, or the pics aren't sufficient, or you have some other reservation....DONT BUY IT.......

notwilight · May 23, 2009 2:44AM

<< Perry

Dont you think I know the coin is in hand under the other sales venues......so keep your "duh's" for your own use.....

It may be hard for some of you to get the point of the conversation......but........

The issue at hand is the UNDECISIVE BUYER........the kind that PROCRASTINATES and DWELLS over every little issue, they are the one's that make the selling experience a horror,,,,,,

IN ANY VENUE !

If you don't intend to keep it....DONT BUY IT......it's simple. If it looks bad in pics, or the pics aren't sufficient, or you have some other reservation....DONT BUY IT....... >>

I guess the way you write your auction must attract or repel these kindof buyers. I do about 4000 transactions/year on ebay and don't recognize this buyer as among my customers. --Jerry

Dropdaflag · May 23, 2009 2:44AM

For all those who say quality = no returns, just remember that you can never please everybody. You have to please yourself. That's the best anyone can do.

7over8 · May 23, 2009 2:51AM

Notwilight

I am merely telling my experience with ANY returns that I have had - which is less than FIVE with over 11 years of selling on EBAY.

My DSR's are 4.9-5.0 with 100% feedback.

I love to get questions from buyers because then we can straighten out any issue with the coin (if any) before we go through with the purchase.

I'd say I asked about 10-15 potential buyers over the years to look for another coin - in anticipation they were EXTREMELY hard to please.

Being honest about the coin and it's qualities is key - and if the buyer shows reservation or hesitation but wants to continue through with the purchase, I would try to persuade them otherwise.

PerryHall · May 23, 2009 3:11AM

For most buyers of coins on eBay: no return = no bid.

OPA · May 23, 2009 3:30AM

All my items listed under "bullion" or unopened or sealed US Mint products (rolls, FDCC's, etc) have a "no return" policy. Never had an issue with that policy and I'll continue to follow it. Graded or Raw coins, bullion or not, do have a return policy.

PerryHall · May 23, 2009 4:05AM

<< Perry

Dont you think I know the coin is in hand under the other sales venues......so keep your "duh's" for your own use.....

It may be hard for some of you to get the point of the conversation......but........

The issue at hand is the UNDECISIVE BUYER........the kind that PROCRASTINATES and DWELLS over every little issue, they are the one's that make the selling experience a horror,,,,,,

IN ANY VENUE !

If you don't intend to keep it....DONT BUY IT......it's simple. If it looks bad in pics, or the pics aren't sufficient, or you have some other reservation....DONT BUY IT....... >>

You wanted to know the difference between buying a coin at a B&M shop or coin show and buying a coin on eBay. I was just answering the question you asked. Also, selling coins sight unseen without any return being allowed is just plain dumb since most bidders will avoid your auctions.

7over8 · May 23, 2009 4:08AM

they dont avoid mine
been on there selling for 11+ years

Obiwancanoli · May 23, 2009 5:32AM

<< Returns? It depends.

If the coin is certified by 3rd party service and all pics are there = No Returns.

If it is uncertified and pricey? Returns accepted.

If it is generic, cheap, highly volatile pricing, with good pics and writeup = No Returns.

Bullion based pricing = No Returns.

I know what most will say...........Why no returns? Why not?

The answer is simple, there is alot of WINDOW SHOPPERS / FLIPPERS / UNDECISIVE / SEEMINGLY ON APPROVAL shoppers on Ebay and I'm not willing to play their game.

They don't play that game in a B&M, or at a Show, or in an Auction. All of those are FINAL SALE. Why should it be any different on Ebay.... >>

Perhaps it should be different when, on the one hand, you can view the coins in hand, slabbed or not, and you can't make the same assessment buying a coin of an online auction with a picture.

Not long ago, I purchased a '91 CC Morgan on a BIN/B/O, what I felt was, by the pix included, a beautiful coin for the offer I made. The offer was accepted, the slabbed coin shipped, and when it arrived, close inspection revealed the pix to be inaccurate. There were half-dozen significant nicks/dings which the pix, conveniently, did not show.

Of course, I wasn't happy, as it nearly appeared I had received a different coin than that I bid. Contacted the seller, sent him pix of the coin I bid, compared to the coin I received - and by this time, the pictures of the coin in the auction itself had disappeared! - clearly demonstrating the coin I received was not worth the offer I made in the first place. I was glad I saved the auction pix - a consistent practice when I purchase coins off Ebay - as well as the auction pages themselves.

This seller would not offer a full refund, but did offer to credit back what I felt was a fair enough amount as to make the coin a good buy in the end.

While I considered his end response to be satisfactory, the seller still maintained a no return policy. Had he not offered an additional credit back to me, I would have been very disappointed, responded accordingly, and am still not sure how Ebay might have handled it. Moot at this point, however, I do not bid on any coin in which there is no option to return it after receiving and inspecting it in hand. It's a personal thing, and works for me. Caveats and warnings aside, I consider it a red flag when Ebay/etc. sellers don't offer a return priviledge. As I consider myself too inexperienced to make absolute judgements of online representations, it is important that I be able to return the item if it differs - as the coin noted above - from the coin offered in the auction.

Lest I be judged for this attitude, I subscribe to this policy for myself, and no one else. I admit to returning a few coins - less than five in the last 2 years, out of, perhaps, more than 200 auctions. I'm not one to abuse the opportunity, but I reserve for myself, and myself alone, the right to make use of it in such situations as mentioned above.

Ebay Question: Are they requiring sellers to take returns now?

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