OH MY!! Is it true that if buyers can?<-------------- DAMAGE THE PRODUCT AND MAKE US PAY?

[airstorm2013]

my GOD I hope not please tell me this isnt in the new policy rules. Is it true that if buyers can DAMAGE the product which THEN validates us paying for return shipping? 

[phorum_junkie*]

What makes you think a buyer has damaged something? There are not many things that cannot be damaged during the delivery process however well they are packaged. A lot of sellers think applying a lot of bubblewrap and popping something in a satchel is enough for fragile goods and that putting in a satchel without any interior, waterproof packaging is fine for fabrics.  I have received both types packed like that with damage which is why I always double box for fragile and put in ziplock bags for fabric items.

I don't know about policy change but I have always stated thst I will cover the return cost of a broken or damaged item if I want it back, usually after seeing a photo I just refund and tell them to keep it. If I think I can fix it and re sell for enough to cover the return postage I will pay for the return.

[jensmanchester-australia]

I think you are referring to changes on the US site with their hassle free returns policy where sellers will be responsible for return shipping when there’s an issue with the item or the item wasn’t as described.

The concern from US sellers is that if it is a change of mind purchase the buyer may damage the item so it can be considered INAD to avoid paying the return shipping.

[springyzone]

Ah, that explains something on a recent ebay survey I was asked to take.

They kept asking in various ways if hassle free, cost free returns, guaranteed refunds etc would be important incentives to shop with ebay.

In some ways, it is as if ebay is thinking of moving more into what i would think of as a 'new goods' mode, with professional sellers.

I used to sell (mainly small second hand items ) on ebay a decade ago, but no way would I consider it now if they changed regulations where I had to offer guaranteed returns etc

I was always careful to give detailed and honest descriptions and to show clear photos, but I was a small volume seller, I would not have had the profit margin to absorb return postage costs and what have you.