No response from seller regarding return of knock off watch

[fargo4m]

I started a return for a "Apple watch series 8" that was a cheap knock off.  I received a note from ebay that I should be expecting a return slip from the seller.  I have not received anything.  I've tried several times to contact the seller but he is no longer a user and the "contact seller" link just gives an error message.  He is no longer listed on ebay.  The ability to get help from ebay on this matter is HORRIBLE--Ebay has been absolutely NO help.

[eburtonlab]

Check the status of your return case and, if necessary, ask eBay to step in:

https://www.ebay.com/help/buying/default/ask-ebay-to-step-in?id=4701

[fargo4m]

I tried REPEATEDLY to find a way to get ebay to step in.  I would get sent back to the sent back to the site that said "contact the seller" which I can't do because he's no longer a registered user - I would just get an error message when trying to contact him.  The only other place I would get is an automated message that "a return has been initiated and to wait for return instructions from the seller".  I initiated the return on 12/18/23 and then on 1/2/24 I got a message that the  seller would be sending me return instructions.  I never received anything from the seller.  I tried the automated "robot chat" with ebay, but that was worthless as it instructed me to initiate a return and then wait for a response to the seller.   I finally contacted PayPal to try and get my $316 back.  Once I did that, ebay sent a message that they closed the case.  I used to be a big fan of ebay but that is no longer the case at all.  Very frustrating.