eBay Step 4 1/2: To Return Policy or Not--That is the Question

Today is the last step to getting started on eBay & your listing(s) live on the site, and it really is just a half step--to have a return policy or not?

If you are using eBay to declutter things around your home, you may think you do not want a return policy--you may be thinking, "Why in the world would I want any of this stuff returned to me?" I admit that was my first thought when I began on eBay.

However, my thoughts have changed over time about it. For the last 5 months or so, I've had a return policy. I use eBay's standard 14 days, money back, buyer pays return shipping (these options are all available in eBay sell an item template):

 Here are just a couple of thoughts on why to offer a return policy:

• eBay buyers may choose to purchase from a seller that offers a return policy over one that doesn't. I know from personal experience, I recently did just that--for my youngest daughter's birthday, she had a certain older electronic item on her wish list and I specifically looked at each seller's return policy. I selected one that did offer returns just in case there was a problem with the item. (BTW, there wasn't a problem with it, but it was good to know I could return it if needed.)

 

• eBay already offers Buyer Protection so it could be a seller would have to take the item back even if he/she doesn't offer a return policy.

• A return policy shows good faith on your part as a seller. Think about it--how often do you actually return an item to a brick&mortar store after you make a purchase, yet you appreciate that the option is there to return it.

Anyway, just a few thoughts to consider on why offering a return policy might be a good thing.

That's it--getting started on eBay in 4 1/2 easy steps:

• Step 1: Set up eBay & PayPal accounts; do a little market research on what your item(s) might go for on eBay by searching sold (& active) listings
• Step 2: List your item(s) on eBay using simple & accurate descriptions; include in your title keywords potential buyers would use to find your item(s)
• Step 3: Take the best pictures you can now
• Step 4: Keep shipping simple by weighing your item in package so you can offer calculated shipping
• Step 4 1/2: Return policy or not--you decide

As you use eBay more and more, you'll refine different parts of your process and it will get easier and faster.

Next week, I'll share what I've learned about improving my own eBay pictures and international shipping--drop back by if you'd like to check out those posts :)
 

Have a question or a comment? I'd love to hear from you! Feel free to post your comment or question here on the blog, or if you prefer, you can email me at lclarktos@gmail.com

--Laura