Seller says I can request a return before the item ships?

[manueorti-70]

I recently placed an ebay order of a gift for a friend. However, it turns out my friend wants a different item (my mistake) so I asked the seller if I could cancel my order but they say it is too late. The seller then told me that I could request a return of the item selecting the changed my mind option. My question is if this is possible, requesting a return now before the item has shipped and having possession of the item? I have not returned many items from eBay so I don't have much experience.

[janet9988]

No you can not as you have nothing to return. It may have shipped already.

You must receive the item so you can buy shipping return it and give your return tracking information to ensure a refund..

[manueorti-70]

So would you say the seller is lying?  When I asked him if I needed to wait until the item was delivered and in my possession to request a return, he responded by saying, "As I said, please open your return request now. If you cannot open it, please wait until can open. That way I can cancel the order before shipping".  I find this weird since he previously said that it was too late to cancel my order, but he has not shipped it yet, so maybe he can technically cancel it... 

[disneyshopper]

I think your seller is confused.  If s/he has not shipped, s/he can file a Cancellation.  If s/he has shipped, you would wait until you received the item before filing the Returns Request.