Buyer has not returned item, case was opened over 32 days ago.

[eric9730]

Buyer has not returned the item, the case was opened over 32 days ago.  The amount is about 20 dollars, I do not want to pay for the item unless they send it to me.  The buyer asked for over 46 dollars from me to cover shipping, apparently they took it to private mailing store and asked them to pack and ship the item and they would charge for this service.  That happened over 32 days ago.  Sent EBAY email informing them that buyer had done this, since June 2 nothing from buyer or EBAY.  I know EBAY dings you for not promptly issuing a refund, I believe you have a few days after receiving the item, but what happens in the case that refund stays on my account for this long?  Is this causing less sales?  Should I just pay the buyer as the funds are on hold anyway.  I do not want to be held hostage over $19.50.  Thanks for any help anyone can give.

[wooden_flower · Accepted solution]

You do not have to pay for premium shipping services. You do not have to issue a refund until the item is returned to you.

You didn't mention the reason for the request, so I don't know who is responsible for the shipping -

When the buyer opened a return request, then you either offered them a label (if you were responsible for shipping), or eBay offered them a label to purchase (if they were responsible for shipping). The buyer is responsible for the packing materials.

You only have to pay for the cost of the shipping using the eBay label, assuming you are responsible for the shipping.

Due to the virus, eBay has extended the return timeframe to 20 business days, which is generally about 30 calendar days. The return will close out on its own when the extended timeframe is up.

The one I had at the beginning of the virus took about 35 days,  So yours should close soon, but the 4th may slow it down an extra day.

I would not refund - eBay will not penalize you for not refunding an item unless it was returned to you.