Buyer Scamming Me On Return?

[andrewlane]

Hi there!

A buyer won my auction for a watch (https://www.ebay.com/itm/176811830507). I sent the item to them. A couple days later, they open a return. Even though I do not accept returns. According to them, "Doesn't work or defective". But in the return request they added a picture showing the item works!

I will refund the purchase price but I think they are scamming me because before the auction ended they sent an offer of $80. Way too high to be a legit offer. I refused it. They ended up winning for $19. I think they changed out an old battery in a watch they have and opened a return. Or something fishy. 

I messaged them and said if they pay postage to return the item I will refund purchase price. Easier to refund, and move on. 

How do I take action in the return dashboard to ensure I allow the return, but they have to return the item to me, I inspect it, then issue their refund minus the original shipping cost?

Thanks!

[lady_madonna · Accepted solution]

@andrewlane 

Since the buyer filed the Ebay Return Request for a valid reason per Ebay's Money Back Guarantee, you are now obligated to approve the buyer's return request, provide a prepaid return shipping label and refund the buyer in full after you receive the returned item.

If you do not cooperate, the buyer can ask Ebay to step in to help which would result in Ebay refunding them from your funds.

https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/managing-returns-refunds/handle-return-request-seller?id=4115