Recap!
So! Last Monday we talked all about How To Handle Returns On eBay. You can check that post out here in case you missed it! Today, we will be going over the following topics:
- How to Avoid Returns on eBay
- If I prefer offering Free Returns, or Paid Returns
- If Poshmark Offers Returns
Read on to find out how I do so, and how you can apply these tips to avoid returns as well!
Disclosure: As an affiliate, I may earn a small commission from the following links. Please know that I highly value and utilize each one of these suggestions. I want only to pass these gems forward to you guys, so that you’re able to truly get value from them, such as I have. Thank you for reading! -Shelby
How to AVOID Returns on eBay
I’m gonna go out on a limb here and start with the obvious. Make sure you are always practicing excellent customer service, because you never know who your buyers may be. A bad review can cause a lot of fuss, and it’s something you definitely don’t want to deal with.
It can be really easy to lose your cool, as some situations can get a little frustrating. However, think of your business as simply that, your business. Don’t over complicate things and don’t let things get to your head. (aka, don’t take it personally!) Being nice and welcoming will always benefit you in these times.
To be honest, most of my returns are due to fit, or that the buyer “just didn’t like it.”
Unfortunately, this is not something that you can control, as this is solely the buyer’s opinion and the size they chose to purchase. Though, being professional and handling the return case in a positive manner can really be beneficial to you in future sales.
Pro Tip: I like to offer a percentage off for anyone willing to return! I do this AFTER I’ve received the item back and have refunded the buyer. They’re always pleased to know that just because it didn’t work out for the both of us this time, doesn’t mean that I don’t want them to return to my store again in the future.
Should You Offer Free Returns?
This is obviously something that will take some thought, and can vary from business to business. I’ve changed my systems for this a handful of times, and think I’ve finally came to a solution that works for me. (Everyone’s strategy will be different, and that’s okay!)
Currently, I advertise my items with buyer paid 30 day returns. There is a plethora of options to choose from. You can visit them more in detail, here!
I used to offer free shipping, AND free returns on EVERYTHING. Needless to say, this is definitely not how I run things anymore, and I have a few reasons why. Let me tell you them.
- Too many returns!
- Return shipping cost was getting expensive
- People have time to “test” your item
- Buyers will still offer low, even if you have free shipping turned on
Now, I’d like to elaborate on these points.
By offering free shipping and free returns, it was plain and simple; I was losing money. Any profit I made in the first place, I was giving back to eBay and buyers through fees and shipping costs. I feel as though most of my store is fairly priced, and I’m sure you guys would feel the same about yours! Drop your store names in the comment section below so we can browse and exchange tips!
The only time I would recommend doing this, is when you are starting out. By doing so, you can push your items further up the eBay algorithm, and achieve Top Rated Status. Read here to learn more about their Top Rated Program.
Being Top Rated is a huge benefit, as you get an award by your items, that shows buyers you are a trustworthy and top rated buyer on their site. This is really helpful if you are new to selling, and need to get more exposure.
However, I decided to turn off free shipping after I had a sufficient amount of reviews (in my opinion), to deem that I can still be trusted as a seller on their platform. It seemed to drop my sales for a day or two, but then picked up as usual after that.
Unfortunately, I’ve seen some cases that buyers will purchase the item, hold onto it for whatever occasion they need it for, and then return it within the window allowed. (Which is quite long on eBay! Check their page on returns here to learn more).
Obviously, this doesn’t happen with 99.9% of buyers! Most all of the buyers I’ve had encounters with have been very pleasant to deal with and I’m very grateful for their business. Keep this in mind and know that most people are honest!
What Should You Charge For Shipping?
Whether or not I have free shipping and free returns turned off or on, I’ve noticed one thing. Can you guess what that is?
No matter the cost, free shipping or not, you will always, always receive less than ideal offers. This is just simply part of doing business, especially online, and you can choose to either accept them or let them expire. I like to at least counter most offers, as I don’t like to use “Decline” as an option.
Here is what I now try to price my items at for shipping costs:
- Tanks/Tees/Lightweight tops or shorts: Flat $4.00
- Heavier tops/shorts/lightweight shoes: Flat $6.00
- Heavy sweaters/Jeans/Boots/Jackets: $7.90
- Small lots or awkward items: $19.99
- Large bundles or lots: Flat $35.00
How did I come up with these costs?
Trial and error, a LOT of it! This is simply what I’ve found works best for me and my business model. I have had success using these costs thus far, and plan to keep them this way unless something changes. (I’ll keep you in the loop!)
Does Poshmark Allow Returns?
The short answer? Yes. The long answer? Well, Poshmark is a bit complex here. Selling on the platform can be super easy, user-friendly, and simple. However, when it comes to a potential return, it gets a bit trickier.
Technically, Poshmark doesn’t offer returns for fit or sizing. Selling online can have many complications, and unfortunately, this is one of them. Even if measurements are included in your pictures or descriptions, (Which I HIGHLY suggest in taking the time to do!), buyers may still get upset when the item is received and it doesn’t fit how they’d imagined.
Perhaps it shrunk, or is vintage, (which has completely different average measurements than modern clothing). Or, maybe your buyer just simply didn’t see all the photos with the measurements, or maybe they didn’t read the entire description. Either way, these things do happen.
A lot of times buyers are pretty understanding and kind about their purchases, and realize that returns due to fit are against Poshmark’s policy. However, there are some instances where this can be turned around on the seller, if there wasn’t a flaw disclosed, or if the item has a smell or odor.
Unfortunately, this happens, even though the seller does everything “right.” My recommendation is to simply BE SURE TO DISCLOSE ALL AND EVERY SINGLE FLAW POSSIBLE! This will ensure that you have covered all your bases and can be certain this won’t come back to haunt you.
Also, a lot of people have allergies, or are sensitive to certain scents. Make sure you are keeping this is mind when you’re steaming/washing/laundering your items, as many people may not be able to handle the laundry scent or dryer sheet you are using.
Here are a few recommendations to shop for if you’d prefer to keep it scent-free and safe for all your buyers:
• Seventh Generation Dryer Sheets
• Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent Packs
• Seventh Generation Concentrated Laundry Detergent (Currently on Sale!)
• Biokleen Laundry Dryer Sheets (Fragrance Free!)
• Grab Green Stoneworks Laundry Detergent Pods and Dryer Sheet Kit (Naturally Derived)
• 12 Pack Bamboo Charcoal Air Purifying Bags
Thank You!
A giant thanks to everyone that has supported me this far into my journey! I greatly appreciate you returning to read my posts hope that you will continue to drop by in the future.
Please feel free to drop any comments below that you would like to add! I am always open to advice, suggestions, or even hearing related stories of your own!
I stay as active as possible in the comment section, therefore I will reply to any questions asap.
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Happy selling friends!
-Shelby
Disclosure: As an affiliate, I may earn a small commission from the following links. Please know that I highly value and utilize each one of these suggestions. I want only to pass these gems forward to you guys, so that you are able to truly able to get value from them as I have. Thank you for your continued support!