> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://ebaymcp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Account Policies

> Complete guide to eBay return, payment, and fulfillment policies

# Account Policies

Manage your eBay seller policies including returns, payments, and fulfillment. Policies are reusable templates that you can apply to multiple listings.

## Policy Types

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Return Policies" icon="rotate-left" color="#E53238">
    Define how buyers can return items
  </Card>

  <Card title="Payment Policies" icon="credit-card" color="#0064D2">
    Configure accepted payment methods
  </Card>

  <Card title="Fulfillment Policies" icon="truck" color="#F5AF02">
    Set shipping options and costs
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Return Policies

Return policies define the terms under which buyers can return items.

### Creating a Return Policy

```javascript theme={null}
const returnPolicy = await mcp.useTool('account_createReturnPolicy', {
  marketplace_id: 'EBAY_US',
  name: 'Standard 30-Day Returns',
  description: 'Items can be returned within 30 days of receipt',

  // Return period
  return_period: {
    value: 30,
    unit: 'DAY'
  },

  // Return settings
  returns_accepted: true,
  refund_method: 'MONEY_BACK',
  return_shipping_cost_payer: 'BUYER',

  // Extended holiday returns (optional)
  extended_holiday_returns_offered: true,

  // International returns (optional)
  international_override: {
    returns_accepted: true,
    return_period: {
      value: 30,
      unit: 'DAY'
    },
    return_shipping_cost_payer: 'BUYER'
  }
});

console.log(`Return policy created with ID: ${returnPolicy.returnPolicyId}`);
```

### Return Policy Parameters

| Parameter                          | Type    | Required | Description                          |
| ---------------------------------- | ------- | -------- | ------------------------------------ |
| `marketplace_id`                   | string  | ✅        | Target marketplace (e.g., `EBAY_US`) |
| `name`                             | string  | ✅        | Policy name (max 80 characters)      |
| `description`                      | string  | ⬜        | Detailed policy description          |
| `return_period`                    | object  | ✅        | Return window timeframe              |
| `returns_accepted`                 | boolean | ✅        | Whether returns are accepted         |
| `refund_method`                    | string  | ✅        | `MONEY_BACK` or `MERCHANDISE_CREDIT` |
| `return_shipping_cost_payer`       | string  | ✅        | `BUYER` or `SELLER`                  |
| `extended_holiday_returns_offered` | boolean | ⬜        | Enable extended holiday returns      |

### Managing Return Policies

```javascript theme={null}
// Get all return policies
const policies = await mcp.useTool('account_getReturnPolicies', {
  marketplace_id: 'EBAY_US'
});

// Get specific policy by ID
const policy = await mcp.useTool('account_getReturnPolicy', {
  return_policy_id: 'policy_id_here'
});

// Update return policy
const updated = await mcp.useTool('account_updateReturnPolicy', {
  return_policy_id: 'policy_id_here',
  name: 'Updated 60-Day Returns',
  return_period: {
    value: 60,
    unit: 'DAY'
  }
});

// Delete return policy
await mcp.useTool('account_deleteReturnPolicy', {
  return_policy_id: 'policy_id_here'
});
```

## Payment Policies

Payment policies specify which payment methods you accept and related terms.

### Creating a Payment Policy

```javascript theme={null}
const paymentPolicy = await mcp.useTool('account_createPaymentPolicy', {
  marketplace_id: 'EBAY_US',
  name: 'Standard Payment - Immediate',
  description: 'PayPal and credit cards accepted',

  // Payment methods
  payment_methods: [
    {
      paymentMethodType: 'PAYPAL',
      recipientAccountReference: {
        referenceId: 'seller@example.com',
        referenceType: 'PAYPAL_EMAIL'
      }
    },
    {
      paymentMethodType: 'CREDIT_CARD'
    }
  ],

  // Require immediate payment
  immediate_pay: true,

  // Payment instructions for buyer
  payment_instructions: 'Payment must be received within 4 days'
});

console.log(`Payment policy created: ${paymentPolicy.paymentPolicyId}`);
```

### Payment Policy Parameters

| Parameter              | Type    | Required | Description                             |
| ---------------------- | ------- | -------- | --------------------------------------- |
| `marketplace_id`       | string  | ✅        | Target marketplace                      |
| `name`                 | string  | ✅        | Policy name                             |
| `payment_methods`      | array   | ✅        | Accepted payment methods                |
| `immediate_pay`        | boolean | ⬜        | Require immediate payment (recommended) |
| `payment_instructions` | string  | ⬜        | Instructions for buyers                 |

### Payment Method Types

* `PAYPAL` - PayPal payments
* `CREDIT_CARD` - Credit/debit cards through eBay Managed Payments
* `APPLE_PAY` - Apple Pay (if enabled)
* `GOOGLE_PAY` - Google Pay (if enabled)

## Fulfillment Policies

Fulfillment policies define shipping options, costs, and handling times.

### Creating a Fulfillment Policy

```javascript theme={null}
const fulfillmentPolicy = await mcp.useTool('account_createFulfillmentPolicy', {
  marketplace_id: 'EBAY_US',
  name: 'Fast Shipping - Multiple Options',
  description: 'We ship within 1 business day',

  // Handling time
  handling_time: {
    value: 1,
    unit: 'BUSINESS_DAY'
  },

  // Shipping options
  shipping_options: [
    {
      option_type: 'DOMESTIC',
      cost_type: 'FLAT_RATE',
      shipping_services: [
        {
          shipping_carrier_code: 'USPS',
          shipping_service_code: 'USPSPriority',
          ship_to_locations: {
            region_included: [
              { region_name: 'US', region_type: 'COUNTRY' }
            ]
          },
          shipping_cost: {
            value: '8.99',
            currency: 'USD'
          },
          additional_shipping_cost: {
            value: '2.00',
            currency: 'USD'
          },
          free_shipping: false,
          sort_order: 1
        },
        {
          shipping_carrier_code: 'USPS',
          shipping_service_code: 'USPSMedia',
          ship_to_locations: {
            region_included: [
              { region_name: 'US', region_type: 'COUNTRY' }
            ]
          },
          shipping_cost: {
            value: '4.99',
            currency: 'USD'
          },
          free_shipping: false,
          sort_order: 2
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      option_type: 'INTERNATIONAL',
      cost_type: 'FLAT_RATE',
      shipping_services: [
        {
          shipping_carrier_code: 'USPS',
          shipping_service_code: 'USPSPriorityMailInternational',
          ship_to_locations: {
            region_included: [
              { region_name: 'WORLDWIDE', region_type: 'WORLD_REGION' }
            ],
            region_excluded: [
              { region_name: 'RU', region_type: 'COUNTRY' }
            ]
          },
          shipping_cost: {
            value: '24.99',
            currency: 'USD'
          }
        }
      ]
    }
  ],

  // Pickup options (optional)
  local_pickup: false,

  // Freight shipping (for large items)
  freight_shipping: false
});

console.log(`Fulfillment policy created: ${fulfillmentPolicy.fulfillmentPolicyId}`);
```

### Fulfillment Policy Parameters

| Parameter          | Type    | Required | Description                |
| ------------------ | ------- | -------- | -------------------------- |
| `marketplace_id`   | string  | ✅        | Target marketplace         |
| `name`             | string  | ✅        | Policy name                |
| `handling_time`    | object  | ✅        | Time to ship after payment |
| `shipping_options` | array   | ✅        | Shipping services offered  |
| `local_pickup`     | boolean | ⬜        | Offer local pickup option  |
| `freight_shipping` | boolean | ⬜        | For freight items only     |

### Common Shipping Carriers

**USPS Services:**

* `USPSPriority` - USPS Priority Mail
* `USPSPriorityMailExpress` - USPS Priority Mail Express
* `USPSMedia` - USPS Media Mail
* `USPSFirstClass` - USPS First Class

**FedEx Services:**

* `FedEx2Day` - FedEx 2Day
* `FedExExpressSaver` - FedEx Express Saver
* `FedExGround` - FedEx Ground
* `FedExHomeDelivery` - FedEx Home Delivery

**UPS Services:**

* `UPSGround` - UPS Ground
* `UPS3DaySelect` - UPS 3 Day Select
* `UPS2ndDayAir` - UPS 2nd Day Air
* `UPSNextDayAir` - UPS Next Day Air

## Policy Best Practices

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Optimize Return Policies">
    **Higher conversion rates with generous returns:**

    * Offer 30-60 day return windows
    * Consider free return shipping for items over \$50
    * Enable extended holiday returns (Nov-Jan)
    * Clearly state condition requirements

    **Example winning strategy:**

    ```javascript theme={null}
    {
      return_period: { value: 60, unit: 'DAY' },
      return_shipping_cost_payer: 'SELLER', // For items > $50
      extended_holiday_returns_offered: true
    }
    ```
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Payment Policy Tips">
    **Maximize conversions:**

    * Enable `immediate_pay: true` to reduce non-paying buyers
    * Accept all major payment methods
    * Provide clear payment instructions

    **Best practice configuration:**

    ```javascript theme={null}
    {
      immediate_pay: true,
      payment_methods: [
        { paymentMethodType: 'PAYPAL' },
        { paymentMethodType: 'CREDIT_CARD' },
        { paymentMethodType: 'APPLE_PAY' },
        { paymentMethodType: 'GOOGLE_PAY' }
      ]
    }
    ```
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Shipping Strategy">
    **Competitive advantage:**

    * Fast handling time (1 business day)
    * Multiple shipping options (economy + expedited)
    * Free shipping for orders over threshold
    * International shipping to expand market

    **Profitable shipping setup:**

    ```javascript theme={null}
    {
      handling_time: { value: 1, unit: 'BUSINESS_DAY' },
      shipping_options: [
        {
          option_type: 'DOMESTIC',
          shipping_services: [
            // Free shipping tier
            {
              shipping_service_code: 'USPSPriority',
              shipping_cost: { value: '0.00', currency: 'USD' },
              free_shipping: true,
              // Use Buy It Now price > $35 for free shipping
            },
            // Economy option
            { shipping_service_code: 'USPSMedia', ... },
            // Expedited option
            { shipping_service_code: 'USPSPriorityMailExpress', ... }
          ]
        }
      ]
    }
    ```
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Policy Reuse & Organization">
    **Efficient policy management:**

    * Create policy templates for different product categories
    * Use descriptive names: `"Electronics - 30Day - Free Returns"`
    * Maintain 3-5 policies max per type
    * Review and update policies quarterly

    **Organization example:**

    ```
    Return Policies:
    - "High-Value Items - 60Day Free Returns"
    - "Standard Items - 30Day Buyer Pays"
    - "Final Sale - No Returns"

    Fulfillment Policies:
    - "Small Items - Fast Shipping"
    - "Large Items - Freight"
    - "Fragile Items - Special Handling"
    ```
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Complete Example: New Seller Setup

Set up all policies for a new eBay seller:

```javascript theme={null}
async function setupSellerPolicies() {
  const marketplace = 'EBAY_US';

  // 1. Create return policy
  const returnPolicy = await mcp.useTool('account_createReturnPolicy', {
    marketplace_id: marketplace,
    name: 'Buyer Friendly 30-Day Returns',
    description: 'We accept returns within 30 days, no questions asked',
    return_period: { value: 30, unit: 'DAY' },
    returns_accepted: true,
    refund_method: 'MONEY_BACK',
    return_shipping_cost_payer: 'BUYER',
    extended_holiday_returns_offered: true
  });

  // 2. Create payment policy
  const paymentPolicy = await mcp.useTool('account_createPaymentPolicy', {
    marketplace_id: marketplace,
    name: 'All Payment Methods - Immediate',
    payment_methods: [
      { paymentMethodType: 'PAYPAL' },
      { paymentMethodType: 'CREDIT_CARD' }
    ],
    immediate_pay: true
  });

  // 3. Create fulfillment policy
  const fulfillmentPolicy = await mcp.useTool('account_createFulfillmentPolicy', {
    marketplace_id: marketplace,
    name: 'Fast 1-Day Handling',
    handling_time: { value: 1, unit: 'BUSINESS_DAY' },
    shipping_options: [{
      option_type: 'DOMESTIC',
      cost_type: 'FLAT_RATE',
      shipping_services: [{
        shipping_carrier_code: 'USPS',
        shipping_service_code: 'USPSPriority',
        ship_to_locations: {
          region_included: [{ region_name: 'US', region_type: 'COUNTRY' }]
        },
        shipping_cost: { value: '8.99', currency: 'USD' }
      }]
    }]
  });

  console.log('✅ All policies created successfully!');
  console.log(`Return Policy ID: ${returnPolicy.returnPolicyId}`);
  console.log(`Payment Policy ID: ${paymentPolicy.paymentPolicyId}`);
  console.log(`Fulfillment Policy ID: ${fulfillmentPolicy.fulfillmentPolicyId}`);

  return {
    returnPolicyId: returnPolicy.returnPolicyId,
    paymentPolicyId: paymentPolicy.paymentPolicyId,
    fulfillmentPolicyId: fulfillmentPolicy.fulfillmentPolicyId
  };
}

// Use these IDs when creating listings
const policyIds = await setupSellerPolicies();
```

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Programs Guide" icon="award" href="/api-reference/account/programs">
    Explore eBay seller programs
  </Card>

  <Card title="Create Your First Listing" icon="plus" href="/guides/first-listing">
    Use policies in your first listing
  </Card>

  <Card title="Best Practices" icon="star" href="/guides/best-practices">
    Optimize your seller account
  </Card>

  <Card title="Account Overview" icon="home" href="/api-reference/account/overview">
    Back to Account API overview
  </Card>
</CardGroup>