Closing a return before receiving replacement item.

[lzthemonster]

I purchased a phone case and received the wrong one. The seller offered to replace it with the right one but is saying that I need to close return before the replacement is sent since he doesn’t want the original item shipped to be returned to him. I’m afraid that once I close the return, I won’t be able to have eBay step in if the seller doesn’t send the replacement item. Seller is saying that return needs to be closed so they can send replacement item. Is this information accurate? I’m just  scared to close the return and get nothing in return and eBay can’t step in after return is closed. Thanks in advance. 

[rock.star]

No,no,no the seller is lying!  Never close a return! 

And always go for the refund not a replacement if the seller messed up the first time he will most likely do it the second time. 

[inceptions]

Hi @lzthemonster 

@rock.staris correct. No legitimate seller would instruct you to give up your buyer protection BEFORE he performs. This is a common ploy (among others) practiced by sellers located in China.

Don't communicate further and on day four, go back to the return and use the option to ask eBay to step in.

The seller will earn a defect on his account and eBay will force the refund. In the future, be sure you are vetting your sellers very well. If you choose to buy from sellers in China at all, only buy from sellers with a long history of STELLAR feedback.