I searched before posting this and the last thread I could find on this specific topic was from 2015 so I figured this would be a good discussion to have in today's eBay.
I'm curious what you guys think about eBay's TRS Final Fees Discount that is available if you offer same-day or 1 day handling time as well as offer 30 day returns (in most categories). If you meet these requirements eBay gives you the Top Rated Plus seal as well as 10% off Final Value Fees.
Do you guys think this is worth it for a US eBay seller given that eBay essentially offers free returns for buyers whether the seller accepts them or not? Or do you guys find that offering 30 day returns opens up a lot of additional problem buyers and it isn't worth the discount?
I'm curious as I'm getting close to having the option and would like to weigh out my options now so that next evaluation I can make a decision on my listings.
Thanks in advance for any input!
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IMO it depends entirely on what you're selling. I started offering the 30-day free returns on one of my business accounts after they changed the rules and I lost top rated plus on all my accounts. I got the measly 10% discount and the number of returns we get hasn't changed any whatsoever. This was 2-3 months ago and I haven't had to pay for a customer faulted return yet.
If I were selling clothes there's no way I'd be offering free returns in exchange for a 10% discount.
I am top rated but don't offer free returns so I don't get the listing placement or discount. They've made it to compete with amazon but with such limited upside, I'd much rather screen my returns than get 10%. And when I pay $2K-$3K a month in fees, 10% is peanuts. Its really a shame since top rated used to mean something. Now it just means you're good at sucking eBay's dick
ETA: My items sell just as quick as ever so fug em
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I am top rated but don't offer free returns so I don't get the listing placement or discount. They've made it to compete with amazon but with such limited upside, I'd much rather screen my returns than get 10%. And when I pay $2K-$3K a month in fees, 10% is peanuts. Its really a shame since top rated used to mean something. Now it just means you're good at sucking eBay's dick
ETA: My items sell just as quick as ever so fug em
10% off the 10% fee, is in no way worth it at all. You'd save an entire $10 for every $1000 you sell. you could literally raise your prices 50 cents for every $50 item you sell, and you'd get the same back.
Now, placement is another matter, and if you have a lot of competition, well, ebay made the rules so that you have to play their game. Unfortunately.
I offer free return shipping because it is very rare for the customer to return as “changed mind or did not fit” they will put any other reason to get free returns anyway
I have noticed literally zero decline in traffic and I'm in a very competitive category. 4-5 years ago I took pride in top rated. Now its worthless
OR, maybe you haven't gotten the extra traffic that everyone else got, and you just remained stagnant. If everyone else uses free returns and has top rated, in what you call a competitive category, then there is no way you're getting above them in searches.
OR, maybe you haven't gotten the extra traffic that everyone else got, and you just remained stagnant. If everyone else uses free returns and has top rated, in what you call a competitive category, then there is no way you're getting above them in searches.
Either way, my stuff is selling for what I want it to sell for and quickly. I guess it could potentially be selling quicker but if we get in to hypotheticals we'll be here all day. Biggest thing for me is I haven't seen a decline in traffic or selling rate so they can keep their measly discount.
eBay Top Rated Seller Discount: Worth it? 
