eBay sent invitations to an exclusive group of sellers last week, inviting them to participate in a “returns resolution” pilot program, which was revealed as part of the Fall Seller Update.
eBay spokesperson Karen Crocker Snell told EcommerceBytes last month that participating sellers would have broader options for resolving issues with buyers who choose a “not as described” reason for the return.
Here’s a copy of the email sellers received last week that details the advantages participants will have in dealing with buyers committing returns fraud:
Exclusive invite: Get more options when refunding buyers
Coming soon, the eBay return resolution pilot gives you more control over the way you issue refunds.
Dear (redacted),
In early November, we’ll be launching an exciting pilot program giving a carefully selected group of sellers more options when issuing refunds – and we want you to be part of it. What’s in it for you? More control. More objectivity. And more help handling buyers who may be misusing returns.
In a nutshell, the returns resolution pilot will give you additional options when refunding a buyer for “not as described” returns. Instead of issuing a full refund, you’ll be able to deduct the cost of shipping and charge your restocking fee when you feel a buyer has misrepresented their return reason as “not as described”.
Of course, your participation is completely optional. If you decide not to participate, just let us know.
The insight we gather will be used to continue to improve the selling experience – so thanks in advance for your participation. We’ll be in touch soon to let you know when the refund options become available.
Sincerely,
The eBay Returns Experience Team
The returns resolutions pilot program is recognition of the fact that some shoppers who experience buyer’s remorse lie when they initiate a return request, claiming that the item they received was damaged or otherwise “not as described.”
EcommerceBytes has received reports that eBay is telling sellers it will no longer investigate reports of buyer returns fraud – specifically cases where a buyer returns an item different from the product they received. Check out the EcommerceBytes Blog for more information and to leave a comment.
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