How to Return an Item on eBay

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: March 29, 2019 References

eBay tries to promote hassle-free returns. However, it is ultimately up to the sellers to decide upon their return policy, as each seller essentially runs their own shop on eBay. Nonetheless, the simplest way to make a return is to use your account on eBay.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Clarifying the Seller’s Return Policy

1
Find the return policy. Look for the receipt you received by email from eBay for the purchase. It should have the return policy on it. If it doesn't, you can also find the order on eBay by logging in and looking under your account.^{[1]
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- eBay recommends that the seller use a drop-down menu to add a return policy, meaning the policy is usually listed on the item page.
- To find the item you bought, look under "My eBay" and "Purchase History." You should be able to find the order, which will have a link to the original item.
2
See if the shop takes returns. Check to make sure the shop takes returns at all. Sellers on eBay have the option of not offering returns, so it's possible you may be out of luck. Many shops will offer returns, though, just because it's good business.^{[2]
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- However, if what you got didn't match the description offered by the seller, you should be able to get a return no matter what, according to eBay's policy.^{[3]
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3
Check what the policy states. Shop owners have several options when they set up their return policy. They can set how long you have to return an item, as well as what kind of refund you'll receive. They can also set a restocking fee or make you pay for return shipping.^{[4]
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- Before trying to return the item, make sure you're still in the time range the seller has set.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Requesting a Return

1
Sign into your eBay account. If you're not already, you need to be signed into your account. eBay needs to know who you are and your purchase history to offer you a return. You'll just need your username and password to sign in.^{[5]
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2
Find your order. If you haven't already, you need to find your order. Look for it under "My eBay" and "Purchase History." Your order should be listed under your recent purchases. If it's not, make sure you're signed into the right account, and not someone else's in the household.^{[6]
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3
Choose "Return This Item." Once you've found the item, look for the link that says "More Actions" over to the right. In the drop-down menu, you'll find "Return This Item." Click on it. Once you click on it, you'll be redirected to a return page.^{[7]
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- You can also click on the order to bring up a new page. On that page, you can find "Return Item" in the middle of the page. It should be under "Contact Seller."
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Fill in the form. On the form page, you'll need to fill in some details about the item. First, you'll need to select a reason for the return from the drop-down list, such as "Changed my mind," "Doesn't fit," or "Wrong item." Then, you'll need to add details about why you want to return it. Finally you can add photos of the item to the form if you need to prove a point. Click "Request a Return" when you are done.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Returning the Item

1
Print out the return labels. Once you click on return, eBay should give you return labels. You'll have a return shipping label, which will go on the outside of the package, as well as a return packing slip, which will go on the inside of the package.^{[8]
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Wait on the seller. In some cases, you may need to wait on eBay to contact the seller. Usually, you'll only need to wait if the package is large or hard to ship. You may also need to wait if you need to send the package internationally.^{[9]
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3
Package up the item. Repack the item to get it ready to ship, placing the packing slip inside. You can put it back in the same package if it is still suitable for shipping. You just need to make sure the old shipping label is fully covered up by the new shipping label.^{[10]
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- Don't forget to seal up the item with packing tape. You don't want the box to come undone in transit.
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Put it in the mail. Once you've repackaged it, all that's left to do is to mail it back. If your using the eBay mailing slip, you should be able to just hand it off to the carrier. Make sure to mail it back within 5 business days of printing the label.^{[11]
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- If you don't use eBay's shipping labels, such as if the seller sends you a return label, try to include tracking if possible. That way, if there's a dispute, you have some evidence of when the package was returned.
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Wait for it to reach the seller. When using an eBay shipping label, you'll get tracking information, so that you know when it reaches the seller. Once the seller has gotten the item, you should receive a refund within 6 business days.^{[12]
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- For a replacement item, the seller should mail it within 5 days of receiving the request, not the item.

Community Q&A

Question

Does the buyer refund money before or after the item is sent back on eBay?

Community Answer

They should refund the money after the item is sent back to them. it may take up to 6 days to receive the refund after they have received your package.
Question

If it’s costs less than a £1.00 to return to seller, why do I have to pay £3.11 for the seller's label on eBay?

Community Answer

This is to compensate for the money the seller lost dealing with a return. Some sellers offer free returns and some don't.
Question

Can I return an item on eBay and ask for a refund?

Community Answer

Yes, but ask the seller first whether they offer a refund. Most big sellers and corporate sellers will offer a refund.