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The reason offered for the majority of items returned in my eBay store has been “doesn’t fit”. This week I have three returns due to fit. I put clear measurements in my listings and feel my tolerance growing dim…not that my tolerance level is on eBay’s or buyers’ radar. lol
But it certainly gives me pause when considering “free returns” because, as careless as buyers are with reading measurements now, how much more careless will they become knowing they don’t have to pay for their carelessness….I do!?
Anyone include “Note measurements,” in the description box or have some other neat trick for prompting a buyer to consider if the item will actually fit them prior to purchasing it?
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We run into that in waves. Only suggestions I have heard (but I don’t use at this point as it would slow down our process:
1) Put measurements into the Item Condition. This is because the Item Condition is displayed in Mobile, but the Item Description has another click before being displayed.
2) Put measurements in the Item Specifics.
Interesting on the first item though…as I was testing this on my phone, the first section of the Item Description is now showing on the phone. I have never seen that before. They must have made a change. So maybe put your measurements at the top of the Item Description.
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T-Satt, YES, it does come in waves…curiously.
I put “Please check measurements below” in Condition Description. I include measurements as required in Item Specifics. And in Item Description I put every measurement pertinent to the item even if its redundant.
Yanno, Jay, I’d feel a lot softer hearing “I don’t like the way it looks on me,” than “It doesn’t fit,” because they didn’t bother reading measurements. It’s not like my measurements are hidden in a lot of verbiage. I don’t tell them how sexy they will look, or how gorgeous I think this item is, or reiterate/emphasize/remind them about my policies, expectations, and do’s ‘n don’ts. Measurements and thanks for looking is all I ask them to wade through. But, of course, you’re right.
Anyway, all I need to do to get over something is whine about it for a bit. So I whined and I’m over it! 🙂 I’ve been selling clothes for about 16 months.
Thanks to both of you for making me feel heard. 🙂
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T-Satt, I tried putting measurements into Condition and got told off. Auto-message stated that it looked like I was including info that should go into another section.
Not only do I put measurements into the specifics, I also include photos with a ruler. Still get the questions though…. Sigh!
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Amatino: Interesting. I have never put the measurements into Item Condition myself, but I have heard Griff on eBay Radio use that as an option a few times.
I used to have a lot of questions or issues with them, but it has really slowed down recently. Maybe just the waves, or maybe the change to mobile I discussed above (with the first part of the Item Description now showing on mobile, along with the Item Condition). I’m not sure when that happened, but I like it.
End of the day, clothing will always have this issue, and buyers won’t check, or don’t know how to check, or even if they do, they will return for lack of fit. That is just the name of the game we play with clothing online. And now with Amazon getting into the clothing game with Free Shipping and Free Returns, the pressure will probably mount.
For us, we will continue to work on getting solid margins, getting good STR, and let the returns happen. We know we won’t win on every transaction, but with a low return rate (3% or less), I won’t worry to much. Refund and move on to the next item.
The longer I’m in this game, the more I realize my happiness is on the 97% of transactions that work great, and not focusing on the 3% that don’t.
Always forward!
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Folks,
The measurements I provide for a pair of women’s pants are waist, rise, inseam. That seems to be similar to what other people provide. IMO, this is NOT enough to guarantee fit, even if you do check the measurements. Say I even added a hip measurement – still not enough. How low down did I take the hip measurement? How stretchy is the material? How wide are the pants 2 inches below the hips? What about the rise in the back? Some clothes look better on people with flat behinds than those with round ones and vice versa. I could go on.Another part of this is that people are not used to checking clothing measurements when buying online. They don’t want to go into their closet and measure all their clothes that fit and then keep a record of that. I know I don’t.
So my advice, albeit unsolicited, is to not worry about “didn’t fit” returns. They are just a fact of life when selling clothing and shoes. And personally I rejoice when I see the reason for a return is “didn’t fit,” b/c at least then it’s not an INAD (not a consolation for “free returns” adoptees of course).
“… grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change …”
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Amen Sonia!
We give 6 measurements on pants and jeans, 7 when I add the extra material to lengthen. Still get some questions.
Shirts are to have the sleeve measurement from the middle of the back at the base of the collar, still get questions for the measurement from the shoulder hem.
Just part of the game!
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