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If done correctly, a clear and effective eBay sales policy can encourage bidding and increase your listing’s final sale price. Unambiguous auction terms take much of the mystery out of the transaction and reduce the bidder’s perceived risk.
Your conditions should clarify your payment terms, shipping methods and costs, and articulate how you handle returns. Your policy should be included in every auction listing and the winner’s notification email. Failing to clearly communicate a fair eBay sales policy can prompt potential buyers to click away from your listing and bid on some other seller’s auction.
The Payment Policy
When developing and specifying your payment policy, remember bidders are interested in the two things — security and convenience. As individuals value these two qualities to various degrees, it’s constructive to offer multiple payment options.
PayPal is a widely accepted method on eBay and other online auction sites. If you don’t mind the fees, this option offers both convenience and security. Money orders and cashiers checks are less convenient, yet are preferred by some auction bidders.
Personal checks are convenient for the bidder but expose the seller to some risk. Many eBay sellers will accept personal checks however they will hold the bidder’s purchase for two weeks until the check clears. If this is your policy, ensure you state it clearly in your auction listing’s payment policy.
If your state requires you to collect sales tax from in-state buyers, note this in your auction terms.
Regardless of how you elect to bill your customers, always specify when you expect to receive the payment. Remittance within seven days is not unreasonable unless your purchaser is mailing a check from a foreign country. Clearly state that the item will be re-listed or offered to the next highest bidder if payment is not received prior to your policy’s deadline.
Shipping and Handling Costs
Nothing will send potential bidders scurrying to the back button faster than an unspecified or obviously inflated shipping charge. Many successful sellers state their shipping costs up front with only a modest markup for handling fess — if any. Offering multiple shipping alternatives is a useful technique. Many sellers include express delivery services for buyers in a hurry, and more economical delivery methods for their more frugal bidders The key here is to simply and clearly tell potential bidders up front what they will pay for shipping and handling.
Offering insurance is a simple way to reduce risk for both the buyer and seller. eBay allows the listing to include insurance as an option the bidder can elect to purchase at checkout. Many sellers stipulate that they will not warranty their product against damage unless the bidder opts for shipping insurance.
If you only ship on certain days of the week as many high-volume sellers do, ensure you clarify this in your shipping terms.
Return Policy
The return and refund policy the portion of your sales terms that requires the most consideration on the seller’s part. This can be as simple as including a disclaimer that item is sold “As Is” and there are no returns. Or you may want to offer a more liberal return policy. Your return policy may be subject to time limits, reasonable restocking fees, and shipping expenses. As you are formulating your sales terms, consider that a more liberal return policy will encourage bidders to take a chance on your listing and may promote repeat business.
Example eBay Sales Policy
AUCTION TERMS…
Shipping and Handling is $5.50 for USPS Priority Mail shipping with delivery confirmation or $2.30 for USPS Media Mail. Insurance is optionally available at checkout for an additional $1.30. I ship to U.S. locations only (Military FPO/APO addresses are O.K.).
We accept Paypal and Money Orders. We do not accept personal checks.
All California residents will be charged a 7.5% state sales tax during the checkout process.
Once the auction ends, the winning bidder can pay using the Checkout button, or wait to receive an automated email invoice shortly after the auction ends, with totals and payment instructions.
Checkout must be completed within 7 days of the close of auction, and all PayPal payments must be made within this time period. If payment isn’t received within this time period, the item will be re-listed and a Non-Paying Bidder alert will be filed.
All items sold AS IS. Returns are accepted ONLY if the item was not as described in the auction. Buyer must contact us within 3 days of receiving the item to initiate a return. Buyer is responsible for return shipping charges.
Conclusion
Failing to develop and articulate an effective eBay sales policy is a fundamental mistake auction sellers frequently make. Take some time before listing your next auction to make certain your payment, shipping and return policies are helping you get the bids you deserve.
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