Shopping for auto parts on eBay could become a little more reliable thanks to a new program offered on the marketplace. The online giant’s new Guaranteed Fit promises to offer the safety of getting the part or accessory that fits or getting your money back. Here’s what it covers, what it doesn’t, and what to do if you still end up with a part that won’t work for your vehicle.
No doubt, if you’ve ever shopped for parts on eBay you know what a massive catalog exists there. Using Guaranteed Fit requires customers to start by inputting vehicle information including make, model, trim, and engine. Then, simply search for the part desired. When the fit is guaranteed, a green checkmark will appear on the listing.
Should one buy such an item and then find out that it doesn’t actually fit, they can return it under the reason “Doesn’t fit my vehicle.” In fact, that return reason is only available to items inside of the Guaranteed Fit program. Once a return is started, customers will get a free return shipping label and then a refund usually after the part is received by the seller.
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Just like on most auctions or ‘Buy it now’ listings, the return request must be opened within 30 calendar days of the delivery date or the seller’s stated return window, whichever is longer. Interestingly, eBay says that at least two important automotive parts aren’t covered under guaranteed fit despite the fact that you might see a green checkmark next to them in a listing.
Those two parts are wheels and tires. EBay says it’ll still confirm the fitment of those parts through its online system and that might still be eligible for a return despite not being a part of the program. Likely, tires aren’t covered for a number of reasons including that knowledge of the actual wheel size on the car is far from a certain thing.
Likewise, wheel fitment can be an incredibly complex topic that depends on a number of factors beyond make, model, trim, and engine.