How do I take returns from buyers on eBay?
When and How to do returns on eBay
As a seller on eBay you will eventually have to deal with returns. I wanted to give you tips and tricks on how I handle them. As a good seller its always best to offer returns.
How do I offer returns on eBay?
- Buyer needs to request return on the listing
- Once they request a return you will get an alert and/or email asking if you will accept.
- The seller must go in and click one of many options, and some of them are as follows,
- Offer return – once you click this you can send a prepaid label
- Offer partial fee – seller gets to keep the item and will be reimbursed partially
- Offer full refund – seller gets to keep the item
- Reject
- Message the buyer – I usually send a message any time there is a return to let the seller know that I am working with them to resolve the issue. I feel a personal touch goes the extra mile in avoiding negative feedback.
- Buyer remorse – this is where the buyer just didn’t want the item. It is up to the buyer to pay for return postage. If everything is explained about the item in the description that also falls under buyer remorse. I have lot of buyers that never read the description and didn’t realize that there is something wrong with it. In that case they pay for returns. If you have any issues with the buyer not wanting to pay for postage then I would reach out to eBay support and verify that you are in the clear.
- Damaged – If the item is damaged then I always offer returns and I will pay for the postage. If its a very CHEAP item then I will tell the buyer he/she can keep it. If its a more expensive item then I will pay for postage to return. Usually in 90% of these returns you will be able to resell the item and recoup your shipping fee loss. Also sometimes the item isn’t damaged and most of the time either you can coach the buyer on how to use the item and resell it when it gets back.
- Buyer requests return but…. – Alot of times the buyer will request returns due to a multitude of reasons, but sometimes they disappear off the face of the earth. If you’ve sent them a label through eBay and they haven’t used it, then you won’t be charged. You shouldn’t be charged for the label unless the label is scanned on the return.
- Negative Feedback – It is always in your best interest to message with the buyer at all costs. I always make sure to offer the best customer service. If I have any questions on if I will be covered by eBay I usually call them and explain the situation. I always double check on if they will back up my case given the circumstances.
Special Tip: Sometimes the buyer will message you asking for a partial refund due to certain issues. If you feel that the buyer is trying to get money back I do a couple of things. If the buyer says there is an issue with the item then request that they send you pictures of the item through eBay’s messaging system. This will usually scare enough of them away. In most cases they are honest buyers and will show you issues that they can live with. If that is the case then I will gladly send them a percentage off of the total cost. A partial refund is almost always better than getting the item returned and trying to resell it. Other times if I feel like the buyer is trying to get the item for free, otherwise know of manipulating the system to hold your feedback ransom while getting what they want. I will only off the buyer to send back the item for a full refund. I would rather eat the return cost then allow the buyer to keep the item for free.
What are some ways that you deal with buyers and their returns?
-Chris
Liquidation@gmail.com
Want to learn step by step on how to get into the wholesale liquidation business? Follow the link below for the all encompassing book!
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Shipping Options through USPS (Cost Effective)
There are so many choices – what do I do??
If you’re new to eBay shipping if can be overwhelming. There are many things probably floating through your head such as “Am I picking the right service?”, or “Am I paying too much??” If you’re not careful shipping can quickly eat away your profits from reselling. As you are listing items make a mental note of how heavy the item feels, or weigh it. This will give you an idea of how much you’ll be willing to sell it for as well as if you’ll offer free shipping or not. These are a few items to consider in which I dive into below. Keep in mind these options of efficient for COST and NOT SPEED.
- Weight – If you’re getting into the reselling business its almost imperative you have a scale. When you are beginning, I would recommend you weigh every item you list. If you are going to be sticking to the same type of items you’ll get a grasp how the weight of each item and your expected shipping costs.
- Buyer vs. Seller Burdened Costs – What is the best option for WHO pays for the shipping. Personally it always feels better when I buy things when shipping is free. I always offer free shipping on my auctions and “buy it nows”, but I try to account for the shipping within the listing sell price if I can. If you’re looking for a set amount and are willing to potentially sit on an item for awhile, then build the cost into you auction. DO WHAT FITS BEST IN YOUR PROFIT MODEL! Don’t list a listing with Free Shipping and lose money!
- Priority vs. First Class – eBay gives me the ability to ship items using the First Class service offering for weights up to and including 16 ounces. ALWAYS ROUND UP. If the item weighs 16.5 ounces then I would not ship first class. When you ship priority the price of shipping jumps a lot. My recommendation is if you jump into the Priority bucket then always price out a flat rate box option (if the item fits) to validate that you have the most cost effective option. I found this image floating around online.
#Secret Tip – You can order flat rate boxes and envelopes online at USPS for FREE! But its important that you use the supplies as intended and not as packing materials in a random box. I will dive into this in another post, but Regional Flat rate boxes will save you a ton of money if used correctly.
I hope my tips can help you save some money on your shipping costs!
-Chris
LiquidationOH@gmail.com
USPS Regional Boxes
What are they, how do I get them and save money?
Where? – I get my regional boxes for free from USPS.com. If you go to their website you can order them and get them shipping to your door at no cost. Make sure you order both the regional A and regional B boxes. Keep in mind they take awhile so make sure you order in advance is you’re running out.
Get boxes here: https://store.usps.com/store/browse/category.jsp?categoryId=shipping-supplies
When? – I’ve found they are comparable if not better than shipping Priority. They basically combine the low price of zone shipping while using the speed of Priority. Here are some other benefits of using regional boxes.
- Up to $50 in insurance included (for mail pieces with barcodes)
- Tracking included in rate
- 1, 2, or 3-day delivery based on package origination and destination
- Free package pickup for many locations
- Saturday and residential delivery at no extra charge for many locations
Tip: They are the lowest cost option when the weight is between 2 and 15 pounds.
How? – Purchasing the label is just as easy as purchasing a first class label or priority label. There are options within eBay to select the regional A or B options and the price will populate. Then you simply place the item in the box and ship it. There are different box options as show in the table below.
How do you know when to use this option?
- First, I always see if my item will fit in the regional box if I think the item will be over 16 ounces.
- I then weigh the item and plug the weight into eBays shipping screen
- I price out both priority and regional options (A and B).
- Choose the cheapest!
I hope this helps you pick the most cost effective solution!
-Chris
LiquidationOH@gmail.com
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