Returns policy and handling time compulsory from October

June 29, 2008

The eBay Developers’ Blog brings the news that as of October, all listings must specify both a returns policy and a handling time. Until now, returns policy has been an optional field when listing on .com, though on some other sites including eBay UK it is compulsory to specify a returns policy. A new field, “who pays for return shipping”, will also be introduced.

Adam Trachtenberg spoke about this at DevCon, but this is the first time we’ve had a specific timeline mentioned. eBay have said that for sellers on .com, who do not by law have to accept returns, it will be permitted to specify ‘no returns accepted’ as a returns policy. I’d urge sellers to consider a returns policy as a selling point: ‘I allow returns’ says to your buyers that you stand by the accuracy of your description and the quality of your goods. Nothing boosts buyer confidence in the item they’re about to purchase than the idea that they can change their mind if it’s not exactly what they want.

Written by Sue Bailey · Filed Under Selling Tips | 12 Comments