Skip to main content

eBay Return Policy

The Return Policy page lets you define the return terms for your eBay listings. A return policy specifies whether you accept returns, the return window, refund method, who pays return shipping, and any restocking fees.

Getting Started​

From Settings → eBay Settings, click Return Policy under the Policies section to navigate to the return policy editor.

Policy Overview​

At the top of the page, you'll see fields for:

  • Name — A name for this return policy (e.g., "30-Day Return Policy").
  • Description — A brief description of the policy.
  • Marketplace ID — Select the eBay marketplace (e.g., EBAY_US).
  • Returns Accepted — Toggle to indicate whether you accept returns for items covered by this policy.
  • Extended Holiday Returns Offered — Toggle to participate in eBay's extended holiday return window.

Return Period​

Set the time window during which buyers can initiate returns:

  • Return Period Value — The number of days (e.g., 30).
  • Return Period Unit — The unit of time (e.g., DAY).

Return Method​

Choose how returned items are handled:

  • Money Back — Refund the purchase price.
  • Replacement — Send a replacement item.
  • Money Back or Replacement — Allow the buyer to choose.

Refund Method​

Select how refunds are issued:

  • Money Back — Full refund.
  • Partial Refund — Partial amount at seller's discretion.
  • Store Credit — Issue store credit instead of a cash refund.

Return Shipping Cost Payer​

Specify who covers the cost of return shipping:

  • Buyer — The buyer pays return shipping.
  • Seller — The seller pays return shipping.
  • Split — Cost is shared between buyer and seller.
  • Buyer — Deferred — Buyer pays, but shipping label is provided later.

Restocking Fee​

Enter a percentage (e.g., 10%) to charge buyers a restocking fee on returned items. Leave blank or set to 0% if no restocking fee applies.

Return Instructions​

Provide written instructions for buyers on how to return items (e.g., "Return with original packaging").

Category Types​

Specify which product categories this return policy applies to. You can add multiple category types and mark one as the default. The default category type is automatically applied to new listings that don't specify a return policy.

International Override​

The International Override section lets you define different return terms for international buyers. If left blank, the domestic return terms apply to all buyers.

International override settings mirror the main return settings:

  • Return Method — How international returns are handled.
  • Return Period — Days and unit for international returns.
  • Returns Accepted — Toggle whether international returns are accepted.
  • Return Shipping Cost Payer — Who pays international return shipping.

Saving and Publishing​

  • Save — Saves the return policy to your local settings.
  • Refresh — Reloads the currently saved policy.
  • Publish — Sends the return policy to eBay. After publishing, the API response is displayed for review.
  • Load Example Data — Pre-fills the form with sample data to demonstrate how the policy should be structured.

The policy must be saved before it can be published to eBay. Once published, the policy becomes available when creating new listings. You can have different return policies for different product categories.