(Applicable to eBay.com (eBay US) only)

All listings in eBay Motors Parts & Accessories categories will be required to specify a return policy, handling time and item condition —information already required for listings in most other categories on eBay. New listings and re-listings must include return policy, handling time and item condition beginning May 9, 2011 (US Pacific Time). We encourage you to also start adding this information to your Good 'Til Cancelled listings, since this will be required early next year.

This information will provide buyers with critical terms and conditions for the transaction so they can buy with confidence – know the condition of their items, when they can expect to receive them and if they can return them. Sellers will benefit too, as this information reduces misunderstandings and buyer questions regarding th ese subjects.

• Highlights
• Take Action
• Return Policy & Handling Time Best Practices
• Return Policy & Handling Time Frequently Asked Questions
• Item Condition Best Practices
• Item Condition Frequently Asked Questions

HIGHLIGHTS

• Handling time required: Handling time is the amount of time it will take you to ship an item after receiving cleared payment. eBay uses the handling time you specify (along with time estimates provided to us by your specified shipping service) to calculate an estimated domestic delivery time. This estimated delivery time sets clear expectations for buyers, and helps you avoid low detailed seller ratings (DSRs) for shipping time and claims of item not received. If you do get a claim, your estimated delivery time is key for eBay Seller Protection in the resolution process.


• Return policy required: It's important to let potential buyers know your policy on returns, and you can increase your likelihood of making the sale by offering a generous return policy. When deciding on your stated return policy, consider that all sellers are required to abide by the terms of the eBay Buyer Protection Policy . This policy offers buyers certain protections if an item is not as described or not received, so there may be instances where eBay instructs a buyer to return an item to you outside the terms of your stated policy.


• Item condition required: We've worked closely with both buyers and sellers to determine the item condition values that are appropriate to this category. Use the item condition look-up table to see the values in your selling categories. Between now and May 9 (US Pacific Time), using item condition in eBay Motors Parts & Accessories categories is optional, but we recommend you begin including it in your listings as soon as possible. Item condition will be required for all new, revised and sell similar listings on May 9, 2011 (US Pacific Time) and for Good 'Til Cancelled listings early next year. Get familiar with the new conditions and begin applying them now.


• Reduce contacts: Your item condition and return policy and handling time will be used to populate automated answers , which can automatically answer buyers' frequently asked questions before they contact you.

TAKE ACTION

Start now to specify a return policy and handling time for all new listings. See Frequently Asked Questions for details on how to specify your return policy and how to specify a handling time . Begin updating Good ‘Til Cancelled listings to specify return policy and handling time. Use Selling Manager and Selling Manager Pro to search for listings that need return policy and handling time information, then use bulk editing tools to add this information to your live listings. Review the new item condition values as well as the definitions of the values available in Help . Use the look-up table to view categories and matching item condition definitions. Start including item condition values in all your listings. As of May 9 (US Pacific Time) you must specify an item condition for new, revised and sell similar listings in all required eBay Motors Parts & Accessories categories. Item condition will be required for Good 'Til Cancelled listings early next year. Use Selling Manager and Selling Manager Pro to search for listings that require you to specify an item condition. Use bulk editing tools to specify item condition within your live listings. Watch the 2 minute video, How to apply item conditions .

BEST PRACTICES

RETURN POLICY AND HANDLING TIME

• Provide excellent customer service and increase your likelihood of making the sale by offering a generous return policy.
• Use bulk editing tools to update existing active listings.

ITEM CONDITION

• If you haven't started using item condition in all your listings, begin now.
• Use bulk editing tools to add item condition to your live listings.
• Ensure that your item description aligns with the item condition you specify—you cannot have contradictions between the two.
• Continue to fully describe the condition of your item in the body of your listing and make sure this description is consistent with the item condition value you choose.
• Continue to identify in your listing any defects or other information a buyer should know in order to make an informed decision (including any recall information ).
• Provide plenty of photos that complement the item condition and description.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

RETURN POLICY AND HANDLING TIME

When will sellers be required to include a return policy and handling time on eBay Motors Parts & Accessories listings?
All eBay Motors Parts & Accessories new listings and re-listings must include return policy and handling time beginning May 9, 2011 (US Pacific Time). We encourage you to also start adding this information to your Good 'Til Cancelled listings as well, since this will be required early next year.

Why is this required for all eBay Motors Parts & Accessories listings?
Clearly providing this information helps set buyers' expectations and reduce questions for sellers. Buyers want to know when they can expect to receive their items and if they can return them. An estimated domestic delivery date will also be provides to buyers using based on your specified handling time and shipping service.

Do I have to accept returns?
Beginning May 9 (US Pacific Time), you will be required to specify your return policy, but you are not required to accept returns. However, you may want to consieder accepting returns, as doing so increases the likelihood your item will sell. All sellers should familiarise themselves with the terms of the eBay Buyer Protection Policy , which offers buyers certain protections if an item is not as described or not received. There may be instances where eBay instructs a buyer to return an item to you outside the terms of your stated policy.

What elements of my return policy will I need to specify?
If you choose to accept returns, you'll need to specify the time period in which the item may be returned, how you'll give the refund, and who will pay the return shipping cost. We will be adding the “Return shipping will be paid by” option with the default set to “Buyer” for all new/relistings and revised listings. The time period in which the item must be returned will continue to default to 7 days and the payment mode will continue to default to “Money Back”. 

What if my item is available for local pickup or is shipped by freight? Do I still need to specify a handling time?
If your item is available for local pickup only, you don't need to specify a handling time. The same applies if you are only shipping your item via freight services. If your item is available for local pickup or freight shipment AND is also available to be shipped via a traditional shipping service, you'll need to specify a handling time for the other shipping method(s). However, in both cases, you will need to specify a return policy.

How will delivery estimates be calculated?
We calculate estimated delivery time based on your specified handling time and the estimated times provided to us by the shipping service you choose. Delivery estimates are calculated as a range of days, not a specific date.

How do you calculate delivery estimates for cross-border transactions?
For cross-border transactions, we will display the seller's handling time (e.g., "This seller ships within two business days."), but we will not show an estimated delivery date because of potential delays in Customs.

How do I specify return policy in my new listings?
The next time you list an item, choose "Returns accepted" or "Returns not accepted" during the listing process.



Once your return policy is specified, it will be displayed prominently on the item page:




How do I specify handling time in my new listings?
Handling time is the amount of time it takes you to ship an item after receiving a cleared payment from your buyer. You can select a handling time between 1 to 30 days.


Once you set your handling time, it will be displayed prominently on the item page:


Can I add or edit these fields using bulk editing tools?
Yes, you can edit these fields using bulk editing tools in My eBay, Turbo Lister, Blackthorne, Selling Manager, File Exchange, eBay Plug-in for Excel and a variety of third party tools. See Tips & Tools for Bulk Editing for how-tos on each of these eBay selling tools.

ITEM CONDITION

When will sellers be required to specify item condition within eBay Motors Parts & Accessories listings?
Beginning May 9 (US Pacific Time), a specified item condition will be required for all new, revised and sell similar listings within eBay Motors Parts & Accessories categories. This requirement will be applied to Good 'Til Cancelled listings early next year.

Will there be just one set of item condition definitions?
No. To accommodate a variety of products, eBay Motors Parts & Accessories categories have more than one set of item condition definitions available. For example, Parts & Accessories contains both Car & Truck parts (such as engines) as well as Apparel & Merchandise (such as racing jackets). It will always be clear which set of item condition definitions you have to choose from when you list your item.

The look-up table of item condition definitions is organised by category and subcategory, making it clear which item condition is available for your item.
The main set of item condition definitions for eBay Motors Parts & Accessories category is as follows:

• New: A brand-new, unused, unopened, undamaged item in its original packaging (where packaging is applicable). Packaging should be the same as what is found in a retail store, unless the item was packaged by the manufacturer in non-retail packaging, such as an unprinted box or plastic bag.  See the seller's listing for full details.
• New other (see details): A new, unused item with absolutely no signs of wear. The item may be missing the original packaging, or in the original packaging but not sealed. The item may be a factory second, or a new, unused item with defects. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections.
• Remanufactured: A properly rebuilt automotive part. The item has been completely disassembled, cleaned, and examined for wear and breakage. Worn out, missing, or non-functioning components have been replaced with new or rebuilt components. It is the functional equivalent of a new part and is virtually indistinguishable from a new part. See the seller's listing for full details.
• Used: An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections.
• For parts or not working: An item that does not function as intended and is not fully operational. This includes items that are defective in ways that render them difficult to use, items that require service or repair, or items missing essential components. See the seller's listing for full details.

The following subcategories have different value sets:

Apparel & Merchandise

• New with tags: A brand-new, unused, and unworn item (including handmade items) in the original packaging (such as the original box or bag) and/or with the original tags attached.
• New without tags: A brand-new, unused, and unworn item (including handmade items) that is not in original packaging or may be missing original packaging materials (such as the original box or bag). The original tags may not be attached.
• New with defects: A brand-new, unused, and unworn item. Possible cosmetic imperfections range from natural colour variations to scuffs, cuts or nicks, hanging threads or missing buttons that occasionally occur during the manufacturing or delivery process. The apparel may contain irregular or mismarked size tags. The item may be missing the original packaging materials (such as original box or tag). New factory seconds and/or new irregular items may fall into this category. The original tags may or may not be attached. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections.
• Pre-owned: An item that has been used or worn previously. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections.

Automotive Tools

• New: A brand-new, unused, unopened, undamaged item in its original packaging (where packaging is applicable). Packaging should be the same as what is found in a retail store, unless the item is handmade or was packaged by the manufacturer in non-retail packaging, such as an unprinted box or plastic bag. See the seller's listing for full details.
• New other (see details): A new, unused item with absolutely no signs of wear. The item may be missing the original packaging, or in the original packaging but not sealed. The item may be a factory second or a new, unused item with defects. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections.
• Manufacturer refurbished: An item that has been professionally restored to working order by a manufacturer or manufacturer-approved vendor. This means the product has been inspected, cleaned, and repaired to meet manufacturer specifications and is in excellent condition. This item may or may not be in the original packaging. See the seller's listing for full details.
• Seller refurbished: An item that has been restored to working order by the eBay seller or a third party not approved by the manufacturer. This means the item has been inspected, cleaned, and repaired to full working order and is in excellent condition. This item may or may not be in original packaging. See the seller's listing for full details.
• Used: An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections.
• For parts or not working: An item that does not function as intended and is not fully operational. This includes items that are defective in ways that render them difficult to use, items that require service or repair, or items missing essential components. See the seller's listing for full details.

Car & Truck Parts > Wheels, Tires & Parts > Tires

• New: A brand-new, unused tire that has never been mounted on a vehicle.
• Retread: A used tire that has had its old tread professionally buffed away and replaced with new rubber tread. Retread tires are significantly cheaper than new tires and are widely used in the trucking, busing and commercial aviation industries. See the seller's listing for full details.
• Used: A tire that has been previously used, but remains in good working condition. The tire may show visible signs of wear and must have at least 5/32" of tread remaining. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections.
• Damaged: A tire that is not operable and may require repair or service. These tires must have at least 4/32" of tread remaining. See the seller's listing for full details.

Car Electronics

• New: A brand-new, unused, unopened, undamaged item in its original packaging (where packaging is applicable). Packaging should be the same as what is found in a retail store, unless the item is handmade or was packaged by the manufacturer in non-retail packaging, such as an unprinted box or plastic bag. See the seller's listing for full details.
• New other (see details): A new, unused item with absolutely no signs of wear. The item may be missing the original packaging, or in the original packaging but not sealed. The item may be a factory second or a new, unused item with defects. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections.
• Manufacturer refurbished: An item that has been professionally restored to working order by a manufacturer or manufacturer-approved vendor. This means the product has been inspected, cleaned, and repaired to meet manufacturer specifications and is in excellent condition. This item may or may not be in the original packaging. See the seller's listing for full details.
• Seller refurbished: An item that has been restored to working order by the eBay seller or a third party not approved by the manufacturer. This means the item has been inspected, cleaned, and repaired to full working order and is in excellent condition. This item may or may not be in original packaging. See the seller's listing for full details.
• Used: An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections.
• For parts or not working: An item that does not function as intended and is not fully operational. This includes items that are defective in ways that render them difficult to use, items that require service or repair, or items missing essential components. See the seller's listing for full details.

Vintage Car & Truck Parts > Wheels, Tires & Hub Caps > Tires

• New: A brand-new, unused tire that has never been mounted on a vehicle.
• Retread: A used tire that has had its old tread professionally buffed away and replaced with new rubber tread. Retread tires are significantly cheaper than new tires and are widely used in the trucking, busing and commercial aviation industries. See the seller's listing for full details.
• Used: A tire that has been previously used, but remains in good working condition. The tire may show visible signs of wear and must have at least 5/32" of tread remaining. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections.
• Damaged: A tire that is not operable and may require repair or service. These tires must have at least 4/32" of tread remaining. See the seller's listing for full details.

Wholesale Lots

• New: A brand-new, unused, unopened, undamaged item (including handmade items). See the seller's listing for full details.
• Used: An item that has been used previously. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections.