How to Cancel an Order on eBay

eBay is one of the largest online selling tools and shopping platforms. But how does it handle cancellations? Maybe you ordered the wrong thing, or an item you're selling is no longer available. Whatever the reason, canceling is easy. Here's how to cancel an order on eBay.

A phone displaying the eBay sign next to boxes and a shopping cart
Are cancellations possible on the site? Learn about eBay's system here

How to Cancel an Order on eBay - the Full Process

If buyers want to undo orders, they can as long as it's within the allotted time frame. They just need to sign in to their accounts, go to My eBay, then Purchases, and finally, to Orders. The More actions menu next to the relevant item will offer a canceling option.

They'll be asked to confirm the cancellation and a reason for doing it. If canceling is impossible, then the buyer's outside the time frame and will need to wait for the seller to ship the article before returning it.

This process is a bit more complex for sellers, as eBay's policy clearly states all purchases and sales are final. However, if the buyer hasn't paid in days, sellers can undo the transaction without any fees.

As a seller, starting an e-commerce business without a cancelation policy and fees would be a mistake; don't forget to write them down.

Are There Cancelation-Related Fees?

Besides listing fees, there may be some cancellation-related fees, whether you're on the buying or selling side. However, those fees depend on the individual seller's policies and transaction circumstances.

If buyers undo purchases within an hour, no fees will apply. However, if that one-hour window passes, a fee may be deducted from the refund.

As for sellers, a fee may also apply if they undo something already marked as shipped. On rare occasions, buyers may dispute their orders and request cancellations; in this case, the seller may be subject to a fee.

A person off-screen looking at a dress on their phone
Sellers can decide their cancelation fees and policy

How to Cancel an Order on eBay as a Seller When an Item Problem Occurs

Sometimes sellers need to revoke orders after getting them - the items may no longer be available, or the buyer hasn't paid. eBay's policy states that all sales are final, but the service understands unforeseen situations. Any successful e-commerce has likely had similar issues, since selling used clothes or other items isn't always a certain business.

Learning how to cancel an order on eBay as a seller is easy and only takes a few minutes. All you have to do is follow the steps below:

  • Log in to your account and go to the Seller Hub in a new tab,
  • Click the Sold link on the left side of the page,
  • Find the order you want to revoke and click View Details,
  • On the Details page, click the Cancel button,
  • In the pop-up window, select a reason for canceling and then choose Submit,
  • You'll see a confirmation message that the order has been canceled.

What if the Buyer Gives up on an Item?

Maybe you value second-hand items differently than other sellers, and that's OK. A lot depends on their condition and origin. But what if someone orders something and then gives up because of a different valuation or another reason?

That situation can be frustrating, but all sales are final unless the item is not as described. If someone contacts you about rescinding a purchase, politely remind them of this policy and direct them to eBay's resolution center.

However, if they insist on returning the article or receiving a refund, try to find a solution that satisfies both parties to maintain positive feedback and avoid eBay's fees.

In extreme cases where buyers threaten negative feedback, remaining calm and professional goes a long way in resolving the situation and maintaining a reputation. Communication and understanding are key to avoiding issues, no matter which marketplace platform you use.

The man in the video below talks about how a buyer attempted to scam him, which isn't too common. However, it could help you stay aware of potential fraud.

How to Cancel an Order on eBay as a Buyer - Related Issues

If you're in the shoes of a buyer or want to explain to one how to undo orders, the steps for doing it aren't complex. Once buyers submit a cancellation request, sellers have four hours to respond. 

If they don't, canceling is automatically processed, and they receive a refund for the purchase price of the item. Whatever the reason for giving up something a seller learned how to upsell is, canceling is easy.

  • Log in to your account and go to My eBay,
  • Find the order that you want to revoke and click "Cancel,"
  • Select the reason for canceling from the dropdown menu,
  • Click "Submit."

Will You Need to Contact the Seller to Cancel a Purchase?

When someone wants to give up on a purchase, they should first review the return policy. If the return is within the allotted time frame and meets the stated criteria, then it's up to buyers to initiate the return process through their accounts.

This is done by going to My eBay, selecting "Return or replace items" from the More actions drop-down menu, and following the prompts. However, if there are issues with initiating this process or questions about specific policies, it's best to contact the seller via direct message.

A man sitting in a clothing store and typing on his laptop
Buyers should always be mindful of their shopping selection to avoid mistakes

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