How to return an item on eBay if it's defective or damaged, and meets the site's requirements

Shutterstock

It's easy to return an item on eBay with the Money Back Guarantee - as long as it meets the policy requirements.

• You can return an item on eBay if your purchase arrives defective, damaged, or does not match the online description.
• eBay's Money Back Guarantee ensures refunded items in most cases, although there are certain timelines and requirements that buyers and sellers must follow.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

So that vintage T-shirt you ordered off eBay wasn't in quite so "excellent" condition after all? Or maybe the record player you bought arrived with a broken turntable.

Luckily, you should be able to return those items with no problem.

Complimentary Tech Event

Transform talent with learning that works

Capability development is critical for businesses who want to push the envelope of innovation.Discover how business leaders are strategizing around building talent capabilities and empowering employee transformation.Know More

eBay's Money Back Guarantee ensures you will be refunded if you return an item that didn't match its description, or arrived defective or damaged. You'll likely have to request a return within 30 days of receiving the item - or longer if the seller has an extended return window.

If you simply regret a purchase, then it's up to the seller whether or not your return will be accepted. Sellers have three days to attempt to resolve an issue before eBay gets involved.

Either way, here's how to return an item you bought on eBay.

How to return an item on eBay

1. Log into your eBay account and click on "My eBay" at the top right corner of the screen.

2. On the dropdown menu, click "Purchase History."

Steven John/Business Insider

Click on "Purchase History" in the menu.

3. Find the item you wish to return, then click "Return this item."

Steven John/Business Insider

Click on the option to return the item.

4. On the next screen, type in a note about why you want to return it and select a reason from the dropdown menu.

5. Click "Request a return."

Now you have to wait until the seller decides whether or not to accept your return request.

If they don't but you think you deserve a refund due to the condition of the item bought, you can contact eBay and request help with the return if it's within 30 days of your purchase.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to sell items on eBay and make extra money off of things you no longer need

• How to list and sell items on Facebook Marketplace, Facebook's version of Craigslist

• You can use most credit cards on PayPal - here's how to add a card and link it with your account to make purchases

• How to contact PayPal if you have an issue with your account, in 2 different ways