Setting up return, payment and shipping policies for eBay

Before you can use Crosslist with eBay, you need to set up your eBay return, payment, and shipping policies.

This is a mandatory step for all third-party applications that integrate with eBay’s official API — even for personal accounts.

This is a one-time setup that takes just a few minutes.

INFO

You do not need to be a business to use eBay’s business policies.

Setting up your business policies applies to both personal and business sellers, and is simply a requirement for using the official eBay API.

Opt in and create your policies

To get started, use the appropriate link for your eBay region:

• eBay US
• eBay UK
• eBay CA
• eBay AU

Click the Get started button to opt in to business policies:

Then, click the Create policy button to start setting up your return, payment, and shipping policies:

WARNING

You must set up all three policies before Crosslist can post to eBay. Without them, Crosslist (or any external software) cannot access your account via eBay’s API.

Once all policies are created, your settings should look like this:

You can create multiple policies and select the most appropriate one per listing. Just make sure to set a default to avoid issues.

Setting up a return policy

Return policies help manage buyer expectations. Your policy will include:

• Return options: Accept returns or not, return window (e.g., 30 days), and return shipping responsibility.
• Handling time: How quickly you ship after purchase.
• Buyer requirements: Optional restrictions for certain buyers (e.g., unpaid item history).

INFO

Depending on your country, you may be legally required to accept returns.

Setting up a payment policy

A payment policy defines how buyers can pay you and when payment is due. It includes:

• Payment methods: Credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, etc.
• Immediate payment: Require payment immediately after purchase.
• Payment timeline: Deadline for payment (e.g., within 48 hours).

Setting up a shipping policy

Your shipping policy defines how and where you ship. It includes:

• Shipping services: Choose your carriers (e.g., USPS, FedEx) and shipping speeds.
• Shipping costs: Free, flat-rate, or calculated by buyer location.
• International shipping: Whether you offer it, and which countries you ship to.