The Reality of Accessory Returns

When purchasing jewelry, watches, and fashion accessories through Kakobuy intermediaries, the return policy is not determined by the spreadsheet you used to find the item. It is determined by the specific seller and the agent's terms of service. Accessories pose unique challenges regarding size, mechanical function, and hygiene. This guide cuts through the noise to explain exactly how to protect your purchase.

The Standard 5-Day Window

Time is critical. Most domestic sellers in the network operate on a strict timeline. Once your agent receives the item at the warehouse, the clock starts ticking.

• Inspection Period: You typically have 72 hours to 5 days from the moment the item arrives at the warehouse to inspect Quality Control (QC) photos and accept or reject the item.
• Storage Expiry: If you ignore the QC alert, the agent will automatically mark the item as "Accepted." Once accepted, returns become nearly impossible.

Jewelry Specifics: Hygiene and Sizing

Buying rings, necklaces, and earrings requires specific attention to policy exclusions.

1. The Hygiene Exclusion

Many sellers refuse returns on earrings and body jewelry due to hygiene regulations. Unless the item is visibly damaged or the wrong product was sent, expect a "All Sales Final" policy on earrings. Check the product page warnings before purchasing.

2. Ring Sizing Disputes

Ring sizing is the most common reason for returns. However, standard size charts vary between manufacturers. Buyer Tip: Request a "detailed photo service" where the agent measures the inner diameter of the ring with calipers. If the measurement matches the seller's chart but doesn't fit your finger, the seller is not liable, and you must pay return shipping. If the measurement deviates from the chart, it is a seller error, and you are eligible for a free return.

Watch Protection: Mechanical Risks

Watches are high-risk items due to their mechanical nature. Standard QC photos often fail to capture functional defects.

• Movement Testing: Standard free QC photos only show the exterior. You must purchase value-added services to have the agent inspect the movement or verify that the watch runs.
• Dead on Arrival (DOA): If a watch arrives at the warehouse and isn't ticking (for quartz, a dead battery; for automatic, a seized movement), the agent should flag it. However, if you ship it internationally without testing and it arrives dead, buyer protection is void.
• Strap Issues: Check the clasp mechanism in photos. A faulty clasp is a valid reason for a return, but only if caught while the item is still in the domestic warehouse.

The Returned Cost Breakdown

Understanding who pays for what is essential for budget management.

Seller Responsibility (Free Return)

• Wrong item sent (color, size, model).
• Major defects (broken glass, missing stones, snapped chains).
• Item significantly different from the description.

Buyer Responsibility (Deducted Refund)

• "7-Day No Reason Return": If the seller supports this, you can return items simply because you changed your mind. However, you must cover the domestic shipping cost (usually 10-20 CNY).
• Size issues where the item matches the size chart.
• Minor flaws that were disclosed in the listing.

How to Initiate a Return

Follow this strict protocol to ensure your refund is processed successfully.

1. Do Not Click 'Ship': Never add an item to an international haul if you have doubts.
2. Contact Support Immediately: Use the order inquiry button on the Kakobuy dashboard. Stating "I want to return" is not enough.
3. Provide Evidence: Circle the defect on the QC photo and upload it to the chat. If it is a sizing issue, upload the photo of the measurement vs. the size chart screenshot.
4. Agree to Fees: If it is a preference return, explicitly state "I agree to pay domestic return shipping" to speed up the agent's interaction with the seller.

When Buyer Protection Fails

Be aware of the scenarios where you have zero recourse:

• Custom Items: Engraved jewelry or custom-sized watch bracelets are non-refundable.
• Blind Boxes: Mystery accessory packs are final sale.
• International Shipment: Once the parcel leaves the warehouse for international shipping, the domestic return policy expires. You cannot return an item from your home country back to the seller in China due to customs duties and shipping costs being higher than the item's value.

By treating the warehouse inspection as your final point of sale, you can mitigate 90% of the risks associated with buying accessories through Kakobuy spreadsheets.