This is happening way too much
Seems like every month I get a customer opening a fake return claiming one of the following
1. The products is fake and demanding their money back.
2. Inaccurate website description
None their claims are true. I always check to see if there is anything misleading or false on my product listing. I never find anything wrong. The customer complains the item is too small but the size is listed on there. We get called scammers and every horrible thing in the book.
The worst is the people claim you sold the a fake item, when we get the item back is usually used or the swap it out with their old version. we file safe t claims and we issue partial refund etc but is starting get worse and worse.
Most people that know me just know I'm involved in ecommerce sales but don't know I sell on Amazon. They start telling my about how great Amazon and how you order an item and they will deliver to you in a few days like this is a new thing lol. But I always like to dig and I act ignorant and have no idea about Amazon. So I'll as them what about return shipping and you have to pay to send it back and their response is golden just say they sent you the wrong item or the item is defective Amazon will always give you a full refund.
As far as the ones that claim the item is fixed it a hassle filing all the paperwork to show the item is genuine but if this becomes a regular thing when is Amazon stop accepting my appeals? I have a feeling a lot of accounts are going to face suspensions
It going to get worse and worse and Amazon not going to change it position
This is happening way too much
Seems like every month I get a customer opening a fake return claiming one of the following
1. The products is fake and demanding their money back.
2. Inaccurate website description
None their claims are true. I always check to see if there is anything misleading or false on my product listing. I never find anything wrong. The customer complains the item is too small but the size is listed on there. We get called scammers and every horrible thing in the book.
The worst is the people claim you sold the a fake item, when we get the item back is usually used or the swap it out with their old version. we file safe t claims and we issue partial refund etc but is starting get worse and worse.
Most people that know me just know I'm involved in ecommerce sales but don't know I sell on Amazon. They start telling my about how great Amazon and how you order an item and they will deliver to you in a few days like this is a new thing lol. But I always like to dig and I act ignorant and have no idea about Amazon. So I'll as them what about return shipping and you have to pay to send it back and their response is golden just say they sent you the wrong item or the item is defective Amazon will always give you a full refund.
As far as the ones that claim the item is fixed it a hassle filing all the paperwork to show the item is genuine but if this becomes a regular thing when is Amazon stop accepting my appeals? I have a feeling a lot of accounts are going to face suspensions
It going to get worse and worse and Amazon not going to change it position
73 replies
Seller_qTJiCxRI8PpIZ
I've discovered that the majority of people think everything they buy on Amazon is direct from Amazon. A lot don't realize they're ordering from 3rd party sellers that are taking a hit every time something is returned. I've had to explain this to so many people who buy stuff just to 'see if it fits' or 'see if they like it' with the idea in mind that they can change their mind and return it. They don't think it hurts anyone because they assume they're buying directly from Amazon. Not an excuse at all. It's just something I've figured out after talking to people I know who constantly return things. Amazon needs to do way more to protect 3rd party sellers or make it way more obvious when people are buying stuff that they are buying from a 3rd party seller.
Seller_CW0P5hgbsiqWX
Everything you say is true, and there are millions of sellers who agree. The problem is, the RFS system is designed to promote buyer fraud and scam returns.
Amazon receives millions of dollars' worth of returns daily, so much so that it sold out the back door on pallets.
3rd party FBM sellers do have the option of fighting back thru the Safe-T claim process, which is an overly long and drawn-out process.
And To Think....
All Amazon has to do is place one little, no LARGE sentence at the top of the return request page saying something like....
Returns are now tracked. Buyers selecting the wrong return reason or returning different products, may lose the privilege to return products on the site.
Seller_v44NMhIVTXXrT
We are lucky in this regard. Our buyers all return stating the item didn't arrive in time(We sell party supplies) but tracking will confirm when they got the item and when the delivery window was. It does seem like people think everything is prime or from Amazon and expect things in 2 days even though that isn't the delivery promise. We have never lost a Safe T claim when buyers inaccurately state the item arrived late. We get back the return shipping on these returns but do wish it was automated and Amazon's systems could detect an item was delivered within the return window so we don't have to chase this stuff down.
Seller_24FzucbyGtgZS
When a buyer sends back a different item we contact them and let them know it will be reported to their local police department and the Postal Inspectors. If they do not respond to us within 48-hours we file thee reports.
So far we have only had to file one report (in the Canada market) and then we got our original item back at the buyer's expense (but Amazon still gave them a full refund for send back the different used piece).
Of course you do realize that Amazon does not want 3P sellers and every thing they seem to do is designed to get rid of us.
Seller_6i0xhF3Ut9rKe
i am a new seller (75 days in) and recently dealt with my first encounter with these scam buyers. I primarily do FBA and have no ability to prevent the sending of products to suspicious order amounts. What i've done to insulate myself is put caps on order amounts. it is not possible for 5+ units of an item to be "defective" when the return reason is "bought by mistake" with packaging that you'd have to beat with a hammer to destroy.
What i ran into the other day made me suspicious of amazon's vetting system when items are returned. I sold a lego set, which amazon think's is a good idea to slap the postage label directly on the box when mailing. Customer returned the item claiming ordered by mistake. Amazon marked it damaged by customer. When receiving the product back to me it was obvious it was damaged in shipping. Customer never even opened the packaged. Multiple claims and amazon will not allow a dispute on their "investigations" they've conducted. I think they do not understand the definition of the word. They have stacked the cards in their favor so that you take all the expenses from returns unless they destroy it in their warehouse.
The expression i've heard is "it's our customer until there's a problem, then its your customer."
Amazon has a system that promotes return abuse. This is the same with costco and sams. It's part of the game. It is our job to make sure we keep healthy margins and profitability in our business to ensure buffer room for customers like the ones you speak of and for the "investigations" amazon conducts that does not go our way. Easier said than done. I will fight every return that is sent back in unusable condition because of this. Unless if my sales is so large it's not viable, then it can be hired out to 3rd party companies that can help you with recovering this.
Unless amazon, in addition to other companies tighten their return policy, it is bound to happen. I have noticed walmart has become more stringent as of late, but this is an oddity specific to large city locations due to rampant theft and fraud.
Seller_WBnGS7Ix3XiDX
There are many people that try to get what they can for free, but eventually Amazon stops them. They do see when someone is a habitual returner.
I often have people buy 3, one in each size and then want to return the others. I know what they are doing when they order 3. They will be looking to return something they tried on. Then Amazon blames me for the return.
But fortunately there are many good buyers, and here is a great place to vent when we have to deal with the occasional return. Hopefully there is more good buyers, and sales for you then returns.
Set your product to be returned, otherwise if they get to keep it for free. I will refund, but they have to return it. Most of the time they don't return it, they just wanted to know if they can keep it for free.
Seller_wnc1pjYEF5ZqF
I really beg to differ. Amazon doesn't do a thing about repeat offenders.
Seller_LaXfWb19u77C5
I agree with all that you are saying, but I wanted to add something that might help. You may already do this but I haven't seen your listings.
I used to sell a TABLE TOP MINI Christmas tree skirt. It was 18" wide and was only meant for a tiny Christmas tree. The kind you see in stores and can put little ornaments on.
What I learned is that people see pictures and make assumptions about your product. They rarely read my description which included the facts above and dimensions. So I would get crazy returns about how it was "too small," "not as described," "cheap," etc. Eventually, I added more pictures to my listing showing dimensions. This seemed to cut down on a lot of returns.
Amazon and other big relators also show their items, like the size of a book, in comparison to a person. If you can find a way to add more size info to your pictures like comparing the size your product to something else or in relation to a person, it might significantly reduce returns due to size.
Also, outside of scammers, if you are getting other feedback consistently, like "item not as described," ask someone for an outside perspective. Maybe there is something in your listing or about your product that you are not seeing and needs to be addressed. It sucks most customers do not provide more feedback to let sellers know what they feel is not as described especially when not as described could have infinite meanings to a buyer.
Seller_pAySCaVFlzKzW
Unfortunwtely, it’s the way the Amazon ecosystem is designed. You have to accept returns for 30 days, it should be built into your analysis, pricing, expectations for profit, etc. this is the price we pay for massive sales volume on Amazon. If you sell elsewhere, where they allow sellers to have no returns- you’ll likely get a fraction of the sales, but maybe make more profit. That’s always for you to decide and go about on your own outside of Amazon. It’s good to be diverse. But, really I just recommend ignoring the return reason.
Another thing you may consider, is the degree of customer satisfaction regarding a product and the risk of fraud. For example I think you’d have to be particularly risk averse to continue selling a product with problems like you’re mentioning. I would pick something else to sell as a quick way to end the problem. Fighting customers isn’t often worth it. However, you can charge a 100% for materially different returns. If the item is fba you can often file a case reporting your findings and they may reimburse you at their discretion.
This is happening way too much
Seems like every month I get a customer opening a fake return claiming one of the following
1. The products is fake and demanding their money back.
2. Inaccurate website description
None their claims are true. I always check to see if there is anything misleading or false on my product listing. I never find anything wrong. The customer complains the item is too small but the size is listed on there. We get called scammers and every horrible thing in the book.
The worst is the people claim you sold the a fake item, when we get the item back is usually used or the swap it out with their old version. we file safe t claims and we issue partial refund etc but is starting get worse and worse.
Most people that know me just know I'm involved in ecommerce sales but don't know I sell on Amazon. They start telling my about how great Amazon and how you order an item and they will deliver to you in a few days like this is a new thing lol. But I always like to dig and I act ignorant and have no idea about Amazon. So I'll as them what about return shipping and you have to pay to send it back and their response is golden just say they sent you the wrong item or the item is defective Amazon will always give you a full refund.
As far as the ones that claim the item is fixed it a hassle filing all the paperwork to show the item is genuine but if this becomes a regular thing when is Amazon stop accepting my appeals? I have a feeling a lot of accounts are going to face suspensions
It going to get worse and worse and Amazon not going to change it position
This is happening way too much
Seems like every month I get a customer opening a fake return claiming one of the following
1. The products is fake and demanding their money back.
2. Inaccurate website description
None their claims are true. I always check to see if there is anything misleading or false on my product listing. I never find anything wrong. The customer complains the item is too small but the size is listed on there. We get called scammers and every horrible thing in the book.
The worst is the people claim you sold the a fake item, when we get the item back is usually used or the swap it out with their old version. we file safe t claims and we issue partial refund etc but is starting get worse and worse.
Most people that know me just know I'm involved in ecommerce sales but don't know I sell on Amazon. They start telling my about how great Amazon and how you order an item and they will deliver to you in a few days like this is a new thing lol. But I always like to dig and I act ignorant and have no idea about Amazon. So I'll as them what about return shipping and you have to pay to send it back and their response is golden just say they sent you the wrong item or the item is defective Amazon will always give you a full refund.
As far as the ones that claim the item is fixed it a hassle filing all the paperwork to show the item is genuine but if this becomes a regular thing when is Amazon stop accepting my appeals? I have a feeling a lot of accounts are going to face suspensions
It going to get worse and worse and Amazon not going to change it position
This is happening way too much
Seems like every month I get a customer opening a fake return claiming one of the following
1. The products is fake and demanding their money back.
2. Inaccurate website description
None their claims are true. I always check to see if there is anything misleading or false on my product listing. I never find anything wrong. The customer complains the item is too small but the size is listed on there. We get called scammers and every horrible thing in the book.
The worst is the people claim you sold the a fake item, when we get the item back is usually used or the swap it out with their old version. we file safe t claims and we issue partial refund etc but is starting get worse and worse.
Most people that know me just know I'm involved in ecommerce sales but don't know I sell on Amazon. They start telling my about how great Amazon and how you order an item and they will deliver to you in a few days like this is a new thing lol. But I always like to dig and I act ignorant and have no idea about Amazon. So I'll as them what about return shipping and you have to pay to send it back and their response is golden just say they sent you the wrong item or the item is defective Amazon will always give you a full refund.
As far as the ones that claim the item is fixed it a hassle filing all the paperwork to show the item is genuine but if this becomes a regular thing when is Amazon stop accepting my appeals? I have a feeling a lot of accounts are going to face suspensions
It going to get worse and worse and Amazon not going to change it position
73 replies
73 replies
Seller_qTJiCxRI8PpIZ
I've discovered that the majority of people think everything they buy on Amazon is direct from Amazon. A lot don't realize they're ordering from 3rd party sellers that are taking a hit every time something is returned. I've had to explain this to so many people who buy stuff just to 'see if it fits' or 'see if they like it' with the idea in mind that they can change their mind and return it. They don't think it hurts anyone because they assume they're buying directly from Amazon. Not an excuse at all. It's just something I've figured out after talking to people I know who constantly return things. Amazon needs to do way more to protect 3rd party sellers or make it way more obvious when people are buying stuff that they are buying from a 3rd party seller.
Seller_CW0P5hgbsiqWX
Everything you say is true, and there are millions of sellers who agree. The problem is, the RFS system is designed to promote buyer fraud and scam returns.
Amazon receives millions of dollars' worth of returns daily, so much so that it sold out the back door on pallets.
3rd party FBM sellers do have the option of fighting back thru the Safe-T claim process, which is an overly long and drawn-out process.
And To Think....
All Amazon has to do is place one little, no LARGE sentence at the top of the return request page saying something like....
Returns are now tracked. Buyers selecting the wrong return reason or returning different products, may lose the privilege to return products on the site.
Seller_v44NMhIVTXXrT
We are lucky in this regard. Our buyers all return stating the item didn't arrive in time(We sell party supplies) but tracking will confirm when they got the item and when the delivery window was. It does seem like people think everything is prime or from Amazon and expect things in 2 days even though that isn't the delivery promise. We have never lost a Safe T claim when buyers inaccurately state the item arrived late. We get back the return shipping on these returns but do wish it was automated and Amazon's systems could detect an item was delivered within the return window so we don't have to chase this stuff down.
Seller_24FzucbyGtgZS
When a buyer sends back a different item we contact them and let them know it will be reported to their local police department and the Postal Inspectors. If they do not respond to us within 48-hours we file thee reports.
So far we have only had to file one report (in the Canada market) and then we got our original item back at the buyer's expense (but Amazon still gave them a full refund for send back the different used piece).
Of course you do realize that Amazon does not want 3P sellers and every thing they seem to do is designed to get rid of us.
Seller_6i0xhF3Ut9rKe
i am a new seller (75 days in) and recently dealt with my first encounter with these scam buyers. I primarily do FBA and have no ability to prevent the sending of products to suspicious order amounts. What i've done to insulate myself is put caps on order amounts. it is not possible for 5+ units of an item to be "defective" when the return reason is "bought by mistake" with packaging that you'd have to beat with a hammer to destroy.
What i ran into the other day made me suspicious of amazon's vetting system when items are returned. I sold a lego set, which amazon think's is a good idea to slap the postage label directly on the box when mailing. Customer returned the item claiming ordered by mistake. Amazon marked it damaged by customer. When receiving the product back to me it was obvious it was damaged in shipping. Customer never even opened the packaged. Multiple claims and amazon will not allow a dispute on their "investigations" they've conducted. I think they do not understand the definition of the word. They have stacked the cards in their favor so that you take all the expenses from returns unless they destroy it in their warehouse.
The expression i've heard is "it's our customer until there's a problem, then its your customer."
Amazon has a system that promotes return abuse. This is the same with costco and sams. It's part of the game. It is our job to make sure we keep healthy margins and profitability in our business to ensure buffer room for customers like the ones you speak of and for the "investigations" amazon conducts that does not go our way. Easier said than done. I will fight every return that is sent back in unusable condition because of this. Unless if my sales is so large it's not viable, then it can be hired out to 3rd party companies that can help you with recovering this.
Unless amazon, in addition to other companies tighten their return policy, it is bound to happen. I have noticed walmart has become more stringent as of late, but this is an oddity specific to large city locations due to rampant theft and fraud.
Seller_WBnGS7Ix3XiDX
There are many people that try to get what they can for free, but eventually Amazon stops them. They do see when someone is a habitual returner.
I often have people buy 3, one in each size and then want to return the others. I know what they are doing when they order 3. They will be looking to return something they tried on. Then Amazon blames me for the return.
But fortunately there are many good buyers, and here is a great place to vent when we have to deal with the occasional return. Hopefully there is more good buyers, and sales for you then returns.
Set your product to be returned, otherwise if they get to keep it for free. I will refund, but they have to return it. Most of the time they don't return it, they just wanted to know if they can keep it for free.
Seller_wnc1pjYEF5ZqF
I really beg to differ. Amazon doesn't do a thing about repeat offenders.
Seller_LaXfWb19u77C5
I agree with all that you are saying, but I wanted to add something that might help. You may already do this but I haven't seen your listings.
I used to sell a TABLE TOP MINI Christmas tree skirt. It was 18" wide and was only meant for a tiny Christmas tree. The kind you see in stores and can put little ornaments on.
What I learned is that people see pictures and make assumptions about your product. They rarely read my description which included the facts above and dimensions. So I would get crazy returns about how it was "too small," "not as described," "cheap," etc. Eventually, I added more pictures to my listing showing dimensions. This seemed to cut down on a lot of returns.
Amazon and other big relators also show their items, like the size of a book, in comparison to a person. If you can find a way to add more size info to your pictures like comparing the size your product to something else or in relation to a person, it might significantly reduce returns due to size.
Also, outside of scammers, if you are getting other feedback consistently, like "item not as described," ask someone for an outside perspective. Maybe there is something in your listing or about your product that you are not seeing and needs to be addressed. It sucks most customers do not provide more feedback to let sellers know what they feel is not as described especially when not as described could have infinite meanings to a buyer.
Seller_pAySCaVFlzKzW
Unfortunwtely, it’s the way the Amazon ecosystem is designed. You have to accept returns for 30 days, it should be built into your analysis, pricing, expectations for profit, etc. this is the price we pay for massive sales volume on Amazon. If you sell elsewhere, where they allow sellers to have no returns- you’ll likely get a fraction of the sales, but maybe make more profit. That’s always for you to decide and go about on your own outside of Amazon. It’s good to be diverse. But, really I just recommend ignoring the return reason.
Another thing you may consider, is the degree of customer satisfaction regarding a product and the risk of fraud. For example I think you’d have to be particularly risk averse to continue selling a product with problems like you’re mentioning. I would pick something else to sell as a quick way to end the problem. Fighting customers isn’t often worth it. However, you can charge a 100% for materially different returns. If the item is fba you can often file a case reporting your findings and they may reimburse you at their discretion.
Seller_qTJiCxRI8PpIZ
I've discovered that the majority of people think everything they buy on Amazon is direct from Amazon. A lot don't realize they're ordering from 3rd party sellers that are taking a hit every time something is returned. I've had to explain this to so many people who buy stuff just to 'see if it fits' or 'see if they like it' with the idea in mind that they can change their mind and return it. They don't think it hurts anyone because they assume they're buying directly from Amazon. Not an excuse at all. It's just something I've figured out after talking to people I know who constantly return things. Amazon needs to do way more to protect 3rd party sellers or make it way more obvious when people are buying stuff that they are buying from a 3rd party seller.
Seller_qTJiCxRI8PpIZ
I've discovered that the majority of people think everything they buy on Amazon is direct from Amazon. A lot don't realize they're ordering from 3rd party sellers that are taking a hit every time something is returned. I've had to explain this to so many people who buy stuff just to 'see if it fits' or 'see if they like it' with the idea in mind that they can change their mind and return it. They don't think it hurts anyone because they assume they're buying directly from Amazon. Not an excuse at all. It's just something I've figured out after talking to people I know who constantly return things. Amazon needs to do way more to protect 3rd party sellers or make it way more obvious when people are buying stuff that they are buying from a 3rd party seller.
Seller_CW0P5hgbsiqWX
Everything you say is true, and there are millions of sellers who agree. The problem is, the RFS system is designed to promote buyer fraud and scam returns.
Amazon receives millions of dollars' worth of returns daily, so much so that it sold out the back door on pallets.
3rd party FBM sellers do have the option of fighting back thru the Safe-T claim process, which is an overly long and drawn-out process.
And To Think....
All Amazon has to do is place one little, no LARGE sentence at the top of the return request page saying something like....
Returns are now tracked. Buyers selecting the wrong return reason or returning different products, may lose the privilege to return products on the site.
Seller_CW0P5hgbsiqWX
Everything you say is true, and there are millions of sellers who agree. The problem is, the RFS system is designed to promote buyer fraud and scam returns.
Amazon receives millions of dollars' worth of returns daily, so much so that it sold out the back door on pallets.
3rd party FBM sellers do have the option of fighting back thru the Safe-T claim process, which is an overly long and drawn-out process.
And To Think....
All Amazon has to do is place one little, no LARGE sentence at the top of the return request page saying something like....
Returns are now tracked. Buyers selecting the wrong return reason or returning different products, may lose the privilege to return products on the site.
Seller_v44NMhIVTXXrT
We are lucky in this regard. Our buyers all return stating the item didn't arrive in time(We sell party supplies) but tracking will confirm when they got the item and when the delivery window was. It does seem like people think everything is prime or from Amazon and expect things in 2 days even though that isn't the delivery promise. We have never lost a Safe T claim when buyers inaccurately state the item arrived late. We get back the return shipping on these returns but do wish it was automated and Amazon's systems could detect an item was delivered within the return window so we don't have to chase this stuff down.
Seller_v44NMhIVTXXrT
We are lucky in this regard. Our buyers all return stating the item didn't arrive in time(We sell party supplies) but tracking will confirm when they got the item and when the delivery window was. It does seem like people think everything is prime or from Amazon and expect things in 2 days even though that isn't the delivery promise. We have never lost a Safe T claim when buyers inaccurately state the item arrived late. We get back the return shipping on these returns but do wish it was automated and Amazon's systems could detect an item was delivered within the return window so we don't have to chase this stuff down.
Seller_24FzucbyGtgZS
When a buyer sends back a different item we contact them and let them know it will be reported to their local police department and the Postal Inspectors. If they do not respond to us within 48-hours we file thee reports.
So far we have only had to file one report (in the Canada market) and then we got our original item back at the buyer's expense (but Amazon still gave them a full refund for send back the different used piece).
Of course you do realize that Amazon does not want 3P sellers and every thing they seem to do is designed to get rid of us.
Seller_24FzucbyGtgZS
When a buyer sends back a different item we contact them and let them know it will be reported to their local police department and the Postal Inspectors. If they do not respond to us within 48-hours we file thee reports.
So far we have only had to file one report (in the Canada market) and then we got our original item back at the buyer's expense (but Amazon still gave them a full refund for send back the different used piece).
Of course you do realize that Amazon does not want 3P sellers and every thing they seem to do is designed to get rid of us.
Seller_6i0xhF3Ut9rKe
i am a new seller (75 days in) and recently dealt with my first encounter with these scam buyers. I primarily do FBA and have no ability to prevent the sending of products to suspicious order amounts. What i've done to insulate myself is put caps on order amounts. it is not possible for 5+ units of an item to be "defective" when the return reason is "bought by mistake" with packaging that you'd have to beat with a hammer to destroy.
What i ran into the other day made me suspicious of amazon's vetting system when items are returned. I sold a lego set, which amazon think's is a good idea to slap the postage label directly on the box when mailing. Customer returned the item claiming ordered by mistake. Amazon marked it damaged by customer. When receiving the product back to me it was obvious it was damaged in shipping. Customer never even opened the packaged. Multiple claims and amazon will not allow a dispute on their "investigations" they've conducted. I think they do not understand the definition of the word. They have stacked the cards in their favor so that you take all the expenses from returns unless they destroy it in their warehouse.
The expression i've heard is "it's our customer until there's a problem, then its your customer."
Amazon has a system that promotes return abuse. This is the same with costco and sams. It's part of the game. It is our job to make sure we keep healthy margins and profitability in our business to ensure buffer room for customers like the ones you speak of and for the "investigations" amazon conducts that does not go our way. Easier said than done. I will fight every return that is sent back in unusable condition because of this. Unless if my sales is so large it's not viable, then it can be hired out to 3rd party companies that can help you with recovering this.
Unless amazon, in addition to other companies tighten their return policy, it is bound to happen. I have noticed walmart has become more stringent as of late, but this is an oddity specific to large city locations due to rampant theft and fraud.
Seller_6i0xhF3Ut9rKe
i am a new seller (75 days in) and recently dealt with my first encounter with these scam buyers. I primarily do FBA and have no ability to prevent the sending of products to suspicious order amounts. What i've done to insulate myself is put caps on order amounts. it is not possible for 5+ units of an item to be "defective" when the return reason is "bought by mistake" with packaging that you'd have to beat with a hammer to destroy.
What i ran into the other day made me suspicious of amazon's vetting system when items are returned. I sold a lego set, which amazon think's is a good idea to slap the postage label directly on the box when mailing. Customer returned the item claiming ordered by mistake. Amazon marked it damaged by customer. When receiving the product back to me it was obvious it was damaged in shipping. Customer never even opened the packaged. Multiple claims and amazon will not allow a dispute on their "investigations" they've conducted. I think they do not understand the definition of the word. They have stacked the cards in their favor so that you take all the expenses from returns unless they destroy it in their warehouse.
The expression i've heard is "it's our customer until there's a problem, then its your customer."
Amazon has a system that promotes return abuse. This is the same with costco and sams. It's part of the game. It is our job to make sure we keep healthy margins and profitability in our business to ensure buffer room for customers like the ones you speak of and for the "investigations" amazon conducts that does not go our way. Easier said than done. I will fight every return that is sent back in unusable condition because of this. Unless if my sales is so large it's not viable, then it can be hired out to 3rd party companies that can help you with recovering this.
Unless amazon, in addition to other companies tighten their return policy, it is bound to happen. I have noticed walmart has become more stringent as of late, but this is an oddity specific to large city locations due to rampant theft and fraud.
Seller_WBnGS7Ix3XiDX
There are many people that try to get what they can for free, but eventually Amazon stops them. They do see when someone is a habitual returner.
I often have people buy 3, one in each size and then want to return the others. I know what they are doing when they order 3. They will be looking to return something they tried on. Then Amazon blames me for the return.
But fortunately there are many good buyers, and here is a great place to vent when we have to deal with the occasional return. Hopefully there is more good buyers, and sales for you then returns.
Set your product to be returned, otherwise if they get to keep it for free. I will refund, but they have to return it. Most of the time they don't return it, they just wanted to know if they can keep it for free.
Seller_WBnGS7Ix3XiDX
There are many people that try to get what they can for free, but eventually Amazon stops them. They do see when someone is a habitual returner.
I often have people buy 3, one in each size and then want to return the others. I know what they are doing when they order 3. They will be looking to return something they tried on. Then Amazon blames me for the return.
But fortunately there are many good buyers, and here is a great place to vent when we have to deal with the occasional return. Hopefully there is more good buyers, and sales for you then returns.
Set your product to be returned, otherwise if they get to keep it for free. I will refund, but they have to return it. Most of the time they don't return it, they just wanted to know if they can keep it for free.
Seller_wnc1pjYEF5ZqF
I really beg to differ. Amazon doesn't do a thing about repeat offenders.
Seller_wnc1pjYEF5ZqF
I really beg to differ. Amazon doesn't do a thing about repeat offenders.
Seller_LaXfWb19u77C5
I agree with all that you are saying, but I wanted to add something that might help. You may already do this but I haven't seen your listings.
I used to sell a TABLE TOP MINI Christmas tree skirt. It was 18" wide and was only meant for a tiny Christmas tree. The kind you see in stores and can put little ornaments on.
What I learned is that people see pictures and make assumptions about your product. They rarely read my description which included the facts above and dimensions. So I would get crazy returns about how it was "too small," "not as described," "cheap," etc. Eventually, I added more pictures to my listing showing dimensions. This seemed to cut down on a lot of returns.
Amazon and other big relators also show their items, like the size of a book, in comparison to a person. If you can find a way to add more size info to your pictures like comparing the size your product to something else or in relation to a person, it might significantly reduce returns due to size.
Also, outside of scammers, if you are getting other feedback consistently, like "item not as described," ask someone for an outside perspective. Maybe there is something in your listing or about your product that you are not seeing and needs to be addressed. It sucks most customers do not provide more feedback to let sellers know what they feel is not as described especially when not as described could have infinite meanings to a buyer.
Seller_LaXfWb19u77C5
I agree with all that you are saying, but I wanted to add something that might help. You may already do this but I haven't seen your listings.
I used to sell a TABLE TOP MINI Christmas tree skirt. It was 18" wide and was only meant for a tiny Christmas tree. The kind you see in stores and can put little ornaments on.
What I learned is that people see pictures and make assumptions about your product. They rarely read my description which included the facts above and dimensions. So I would get crazy returns about how it was "too small," "not as described," "cheap," etc. Eventually, I added more pictures to my listing showing dimensions. This seemed to cut down on a lot of returns.
Amazon and other big relators also show their items, like the size of a book, in comparison to a person. If you can find a way to add more size info to your pictures like comparing the size your product to something else or in relation to a person, it might significantly reduce returns due to size.
Also, outside of scammers, if you are getting other feedback consistently, like "item not as described," ask someone for an outside perspective. Maybe there is something in your listing or about your product that you are not seeing and needs to be addressed. It sucks most customers do not provide more feedback to let sellers know what they feel is not as described especially when not as described could have infinite meanings to a buyer.
Seller_pAySCaVFlzKzW
Unfortunwtely, it’s the way the Amazon ecosystem is designed. You have to accept returns for 30 days, it should be built into your analysis, pricing, expectations for profit, etc. this is the price we pay for massive sales volume on Amazon. If you sell elsewhere, where they allow sellers to have no returns- you’ll likely get a fraction of the sales, but maybe make more profit. That’s always for you to decide and go about on your own outside of Amazon. It’s good to be diverse. But, really I just recommend ignoring the return reason.
Another thing you may consider, is the degree of customer satisfaction regarding a product and the risk of fraud. For example I think you’d have to be particularly risk averse to continue selling a product with problems like you’re mentioning. I would pick something else to sell as a quick way to end the problem. Fighting customers isn’t often worth it. However, you can charge a 100% for materially different returns. If the item is fba you can often file a case reporting your findings and they may reimburse you at their discretion.
Seller_pAySCaVFlzKzW
Unfortunwtely, it’s the way the Amazon ecosystem is designed. You have to accept returns for 30 days, it should be built into your analysis, pricing, expectations for profit, etc. this is the price we pay for massive sales volume on Amazon. If you sell elsewhere, where they allow sellers to have no returns- you’ll likely get a fraction of the sales, but maybe make more profit. That’s always for you to decide and go about on your own outside of Amazon. It’s good to be diverse. But, really I just recommend ignoring the return reason.
Another thing you may consider, is the degree of customer satisfaction regarding a product and the risk of fraud. For example I think you’d have to be particularly risk averse to continue selling a product with problems like you’re mentioning. I would pick something else to sell as a quick way to end the problem. Fighting customers isn’t often worth it. However, you can charge a 100% for materially different returns. If the item is fba you can often file a case reporting your findings and they may reimburse you at their discretion.
