Automated Return Procedure, #2

Yesterday I proposed that the Automated Return Procedure was deficient in not providing a way to block buyers who return too much stuff.

Today, a more in depth analysis.

As described. seller can offer to automate returns, and even offer to pay return shipping.  However, seller cannot make such 2nd way refunds contingent on the details of the case. Instead, Ebay offers to bill seller for the cost of 2nd way shipping.

I just can't see very many sellers signing up for that exposure.   Some issues:

1. Buyer determines the size and weight of the return package. Buyer cannot select worthless insurance, or unnecessary signature DC, but buyer can decide to return a small package in a big box.
2. Buyer determines whether the package gets mailed or not.  If buyer doesn't actually mail the package, the label still gets charged to seller.
3. Buyer has no throttle on returns. Punch the button, print the label. Seller pays.  Buyer can to that time and time and time again, no throttle.

That leaves those of us who want SNAD returns to be very easy with no solution.

Proper design:


The automated return process needs a way for seller to specify, and buyer to process, the difference between a SNAD return and a no-fault return.   Seller offers to pay 2nd way shipping on SNADs only.

Buyer can return an item at will, but pays the 2nd way shipping label.  If buyer wants 2nd way shipping paid by seller, buyer has to click "this item was not as described", and fill in a text box explaining what the problem was.   Once buyer clicks that box and purchases the label, the value of the transaction comes to include 2nd way shipping.

The return label payment always comes from buyer's account.  That's the throttle.

If seller agrees/acquiesces to the SNAD, then seller refunds all money paid + 2nd way shipping in one transaction.   If seller disagrees, seller can go to war. Not what I suggest, but there might be the time, and buyer knows that.   If seller loses the war (the SNAD dispute), seller loses all of money paid + 2nd way shipping which had been paid by buyer.