Etsy vs eBay Refund Process

Etsy

• Refund policies are set by individual sellers and vary by shop
• Sellers are required to set a return policy for physical items
• If a return agreement is made via Messages or Etsy's case system, it must be fulfilled
• Refunds through Etsy Payments are only possible within 180 days of the payment date

eBay

• Refunds must be processed through an open request or case if one exists
• Buyers can return an item that doesn't match the listing description, even if the seller specifies 'no returns accepted'
• Sellers may deduct from a refund if the returned item is used, damaged, missing parts, or was improperly packaged for return shipping
• If free shipping was offered, the original shipping cost cannot be deducted from the refund

Etsy

• On Etsy.com, open Shop Manager
• Select Orders
• Choose the three-dot icon next to the order you want to refund and select Refund
• Select a Reason for issuing a refund, add an optional Message to buyer, and specify full or partial amount
• Select Review refund and then Submit

eBay

• Start a return request from your Purchases in My eBay
• Wait for the seller to respond within 3 business days
• If the seller does not respond or resolve the issue, ask eBay to step in for help
• If the item is returned and no refund is received after 3 business days, ask eBay to step in

Etsy

• Original payment method or Etsy credit (Etsy may let the buyer choose; the seller can't change it)
• Payment method outside Etsy (e.g., PayPal) after 180 days, if the shop's policy allows

eBay

• Original or selected payment method
• eBay gift card (for some orders)

Etsy

• Partial refunds can be issued for an order through the Shop Manager

eBay

• Full or partial refunds can be issued
• Partial refunds for an order are split proportionally across each item in the order

Etsy

Not available

eBay

• If a seller doesn't respond to a return request or issue a refund within 3 business days, a buyer can ask eBay to step in
• To ask eBay to step in, go to Seller Hub (Orders, then Returns or Requests and disputes tab) or My eBay Sold, select 'See details' or 'View return details' for the request
• Select 'Report problem' and follow instructions to involve eBay
• eBay will review the case and aim to resolve it within 48 hours, though it may take longer for more information

Etsy

• For orders eligible for Etsy Purchase Protection (not received, arrived after the estimated delivery window, arrived damaged, or claimed not as described), Etsy covers up to $250 of the refund and charges any remaining amount to the seller.
• Sellers receive automatic refunds of Etsy transaction and processing fees for transactions refunded through Shop Manager
• If the 'Issue a Refund' button is unavailable, the order is non-refundable

eBay

• Buyers receive email confirmation when a refund is initiated and completed, and the refunded amount appears in order details
• Sellers may be eligible for fee credits when issuing a refund without eBay intervention
• Sellers must state their return policy in listings, including whether returns are accepted and under what conditions