I am a semi-frequent seller on eBay and have recently wondered what people think is a fair return policy. Admittedly, it comes up this time because I am dealing with a return currently, but more on that later.
On video games, I offer a return policy that covers the entire cost of the game, shipping and return shipping should the game not be as described, such as defective. I have generally returned all of the money when I receive the game back, as to deter any scammers from simply saying the game is broken and getting a full refund without shipping the game back. Recently I have realized it wouldn't be too bad to put out the $3 or $4 shipping ahead of time, so the buyer does not have to pay out of pocket. While I know it is frustrating to get a game that does not work, I really do not know how much more fair I could be. If you have any suggestions, I would love to hear them.
Now for the current situation. I sold a copy of Halo: Reach which I knew was scratched, but was playable a few weeks before I sent it. The listing stated such. The buyer informed me the game did not work for more than 5 minutes and the case was cracked. He demanded I accepted a return and threatened to leave a negative feedback if I did not. Apart from the threat, I had no problem with this and told him my normal process for a return. He messaged me back informing me he won't send the game unless I send a full refund to him first. I clarified my normal return process, as stated above, just in case there was any confusion, but he demanded the same thing and then opened a case with eBay. The odd thing is, the resolution eBay gives is for him return the game to me and I issue a refund once I receive it. They don't even I ask that I refund his return shipping cost. That is currently where the case lies, he has not responded to the case. I am assuming I am heading for a negative feedback, especially if eBay sides with me.
This was sort of a rant too, so thanks for reading and I am interested in seeing any suggestions on how to improve my return policy. I try to be a good seller in an increasingly difficult marketplace.
On video games, I offer a return policy that covers the entire cost of the game, shipping and return shipping should the game not be as described, such as defective. I have generally returned all of the money when I receive the game back, as to deter any scammers from simply saying the game is broken and getting a full refund without shipping the game back. Recently I have realized it wouldn't be too bad to put out the $3 or $4 shipping ahead of time, so the buyer does not have to pay out of pocket. While I know it is frustrating to get a game that does not work, I really do not know how much more fair I could be. If you have any suggestions, I would love to hear them.
Now for the current situation. I sold a copy of Halo: Reach which I knew was scratched, but was playable a few weeks before I sent it. The listing stated such. The buyer informed me the game did not work for more than 5 minutes and the case was cracked. He demanded I accepted a return and threatened to leave a negative feedback if I did not. Apart from the threat, I had no problem with this and told him my normal process for a return. He messaged me back informing me he won't send the game unless I send a full refund to him first. I clarified my normal return process, as stated above, just in case there was any confusion, but he demanded the same thing and then opened a case with eBay. The odd thing is, the resolution eBay gives is for him return the game to me and I issue a refund once I receive it. They don't even I ask that I refund his return shipping cost. That is currently where the case lies, he has not responded to the case. I am assuming I am heading for a negative feedback, especially if eBay sides with me.
This was sort of a rant too, so thanks for reading and I am interested in seeing any suggestions on how to improve my return policy. I try to be a good seller in an increasingly difficult marketplace.
