How do eBay returns work?

~D~ · 31 Dec 2010 at 10:19

I bought an electronical item from ebay and it wasn't up to scratch so I'm going to request a refund. However before I do I'd like a better idea of how the returns system work.

I assume the seller will request I post the item back so he can examine it / see if it is worth a refund. Isn't this risky? As at that point the seller will have both my item and my money. (Also, is the postage back at my cost? As I'd need a trackable method of postage (Royal Mail Next Day probably) to be able to prove that it was received and this is a little costly).

(I'm operating under the impression that the seller will entertain my request - if not, I'll just open a PayPal dispute).

Vonhelmet · 31 Dec 2010 at 10:22

You send it back at cost and you accept the risk, so use insured post if the item is valuable. If the seller confirms the problem, they should refund you the postage costs.

mothermachine · 31 Dec 2010 at 10:27

You'll need to check the seller's returns terms on the auction page for that item. Every seller has different terms for this sort of thing. Some will pay postage cost, some won't. Some will refund no questions asked, most don't etc.

My strong advice would be to talk with the seller first and establish a good comms between you so that they are more likely to help you. You want to try to avoid dispute resolution if possible as it can drag on for ages.

lee32uk · 31 Dec 2010 at 14:37

Was the item brand new, and arrived faulty ?
Business or Private seller ?
Auction or Buy it now ?

Distance selling regs for online selling state that a Business seller should refund the postage if a brand new item arrives faulty. For ebay sales it has to be a buy it now transaction, as i don't think it covers Auctions.