ebay won't let me issue a partial refund.

[sighrex]

* Item is listed as free returns (buyer pays shipping)
* Buying decides "I changed my mind" and wants to return it

* Returns the brand new item, opened and damaged to some of the non-critical parts (the cardboard box and styrofam). While it's not a full deal breaker, this item stopped being sold 15+ years ago so I can't just buy a new cardboard box and new styrofoam inserts.

* So, since I can't sell the item in the same condition it was when it was first sold to this person, I would like to deduct 15%-30% from the refund I give them which is what ebay recommends on partial refunds.

But there is no where for me to issue a partial refund. I can only give a full refund. I can choose whether or not to include the shipping costs I paid but not take away some percentage of the purchase cost. Can someone help me? There is no phone number I can call or online agent I can chat with to figure out what to do. I worry ebay will just automatically give them the full refund in a few days even though I am trying my best to submit photos and text evidence to justify giving a partial refund.

[wooden_flower]

Free returns means you pay the return shipping. If the buyer pays, it isn't free.

To be able to offer a partial refund, you either have to offer free returns, or be top rated.

[sighrex]

Sorry, "30 day returns"...

[wooden_flower]

You do not have the option to issue a partial refund unless you offer free returns, or are top rated.

[house*of*paws]

Hi @sighrex 

You can't give a partial refund unless the buyer agreed to it before returning.  You can only hurt yourself by withholding the refund until the buyer gets eBay involved.  

[wooden_flower]

Just to clarify -  ff you had offered a partial refund when the return was opened, that would be to let the buyer keep the item and the partial refund, not return it for a partial refund.