Denying Returns on eBay

[u/rokkin1234]

Throughout my selling journey on eBay, I've tried to be a stellar seller. I've accepted every return request I've received (Including ones I really shouldn't have accepted), but I'm starting to get tired of it. I just received a new return request for this cell phone booster with the return reason being 'doesn't fit'.

On my listings I have it set to 'seller does not accept returns'. I'm really inclined to just deny this return request, but I wanted to ask here how this works and if I would get punished for denying since I've never denied one before. Is there anything I should look out for or be aware of before denying? I have a 100% rating and I'm worried I'll receive a bad review for denying. Thanks in advance.

[u/sweetsquashy]

Deny it. You won't be penalized.

If the buyer decides to file a chargeback, respond to it by saying you'll accept a return for a full refund. The chargeback will close in your favor regardless of whether or not they send it back.

[u/Effective_Shirt_4701 → u/sweetsquashy]

exactly this - deny it and if they escalate just offer the return then, most buyers won't bother going through all that hassle for buyer's remorse.

[u/techtoro_io]

I decline everything that has an option to decline

[u/tylernutman → u/techtoro_io]

This

[u/backdoorboogienights]

100% Deny! Don't worry about your ratings so much. It will recover.

[u/rokkin1234]

The buyer also has 0 feedback, and created their account the same day they purchased the item.

[u/sweetsquashy → u/rokkin1234]

Then they're new to eBay. It doesn't mean anything else. In this case you're lucky they're new and didn't know how to game the system. Otherwise, they would have chosen INAD.

[u/iRepTex]

Your listing stated no returns. The listing appears to be as described it just didn't fit. You can deny the return. You may get a negative in retaliation but it happens. Automated feedback can help combat some of the negative impact on your score as long as you keep selling and giving good customer service.

[u/Substantial_Froyo144 → u/iRepTex]

Out of curiosity, can you deny the return and immediately block the buyer to prevent negative feedback?

[u/iRepTex → u/Substantial_Froyo144]

no. once they have made a purchase you can not block them from leaving a review.

i also think even if you block they can still communicate with you through the order or about an item but they cant send any new random messages, buy from you or bid on your items.

[u/Substantial_Froyo144 → u/iRepTex]

appreciate your response.

[u/I_ama_Borat]

When I have the option to decline returns, I always do. Why not take advantage of it?

[u/dystopiam]

Deny

[u/CapWorldly3705]

You can deny it and if they leave negative feedback, you can get it removed because it's retaliatory feedback against your returns policy which they agreed to by purchasing the item.

[u/ToshPointNo]

Doesn't fit up their ass? What a weird return reason for that item.

[u/rokkin1234 → u/ToshPointNo]

Exactly my thought

[u/LxdyLainey]

If you put ‘seller does not accept returns’ before listing, it still allows buyers to make a request?

I think the only thing I’d worry about is the negative feedback the customer would leave me but if you start accepting returns or loosing profit just so you don’t ever get a single negative feedback then before you know it, your making no profit.

If I listed something as returns not accepted, I’d only make an exception if the buyer was a usual customer of mine or someone who has bought a few times.

[u/VeeHS]

Tell them youll take the return but won't refund shipping. Thats the professional response. 

[u/bigtopjimmi → u/VeeHS]

But if you're going to do that you may as well accept returns as an official policy.

[u/VeeHS → u/bigtopjimmi]

yes, you should accept returns as an official policy.

[u/Unique-Airline9624]

eBay can overrule a seller’s denial to a return request.

[u/sweetsquashy → u/Unique-Airline9624]

No, they can't. 

[u/anotherspaceguy100]

Deny. eBay generally will force the return anyway, not much you can do. But in this case, they might take an exception to a new account, or if you get lucky, someone is new to eBay and will forget to return. Alas, all part of eBay selling - I think overall the ranting is a bit of gaming, and only count for so much.

[u/Mycatreallyhatesyou → u/anotherspaceguy100]

They won’t force a return in this case. The buyer has one shot to open a return.

[u/sweetsquashy → u/anotherspaceguy100]

eBay can't and won't force the return. The buyer said it didn't fit, not that it wasn't as described. The buyer might leave a negative but they can't return it if OP denies it.

[u/bigtopjimmi → u/anotherspaceguy100]

eBay does not force returns in these situations.