How to respond to a return made outside of eBay rules | Returns

woodjim · 2024-05-03T02:30:37.937000Z

I need some help here; already posted this, no answers, maybe I put it in the wrong place. Anyway... A buyer purchased an item from me, received it, couldn't make it work and decided to return it through eBay's normal return process. The buyer subsequently figured out the problem, seemed satisfied with the purchase, and kept the item past eBay's 30-day return window. A few days after the return window closed, I was advised by eBay that the return process was not completed, that the buyer's dispute was found in my (seller's) favor, and that no refund is required. Case closed. But the buyer then decided to return the item after all and has it on the way directly back to me outside of eBay. Moreover, the buyer indicated to me (in writing!) that he would dispute the sale with his credit card company and obtain a refund that way, rather than initiating a second eBay return case. At this point I asked eBay what to do and got an automated answer that "if the item is indeed returned [I should] refund the buyer." But my eBay payout, which I did already receive, would not be a full refund to the buyer, as eBay has retained the Transaction Fee, sales tax collected and shipping charges. So what do I do? If I accept the item back, do I refund my payout amount and retain the item? That wouldn't be fair. And if the buyer does initiate a credit card dispute, will the credit card company come after me or after eBay for reimbursement? I'm beginning to wonder if this buyer is perhaps attempting a scam to get double-refunded on this purchase. Something smells fishy here and I'm not at all sure what to do. I've been unable to find a direct channel to fully explain this situation to a real person at eBay for further, non-automated advice. What do i do next?

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How to respond to a return made outside of eBay rules | Returns | eBay Community