Buyer damaged item by sticking return label directly on it; eBay says can't determine case closed

[davidstarcher]

The buyer bought an empty cell phone box from me and upon arrival they determined as that they had ordered the wrong box for their phone and decided to return it. They used the claim wrong item sent so that they could force me to pay for the return shipping. Worse they slapped the return label directly on the box and placed tape on the back  to make sure it didn't open during transit. There is no way to remove either without destroying the image on the box making it unsalable. When I complained to eBay that it was returned damaged and provided them with photos to prove it they replied: 

"However, since eBay doesn't handle items directly, we're unable to make a definitive determination in this situation. As a result, we must deny your appeal, and unfortunately, no further appeals will be reviewed for this case."

I realize it's only a $15 item and could have been a lot worse but it sure seems like eBay customer support is either run by idiots or just mindless AI bots. Obviously they don't stand by their own seller protections.

[12345jamesstamps]

'Artificial Intelligence'....at play...standard replies probably to everyone where Ai can change 'Hello...'.

I hope you didn't spend a lot of time on this...an empty box worth $15. and trying to get half your profit back?...but then there's a return shipping charge.

Me personally...I would have clinked the refund button and just enjoy the rest of the day. 

[dy60609]

never mind. reread post

[mtgraves7984]

Obviously they don't stand by their own seller protections.

@davidstarcher 

FWIW, since you're a TRS who offers 30-Day Returns, you could have discounted the full refund (by up to 1/2) through the case, without involving eBay in the refund. Appeals are rarely won, but it wouldn't have gone that far if you'd handled it first. Hang in there.

[wastingtime101 · Accepted solution]

Why are you trying to appeal the case outcome @davidstarcher ? According to the first screenshot, eBay gave the buyer a courtesy refund from their funds, not yours.

[mtgraves7984]

@wastingtime101 

I'm so glad you typed that out loud. You read the first screenshot as I did, but I got sidetracked with the 'seller protection' issue. There was nothing to appeal, @davidstarcher... your seller protections had already kicked in. I'm confused now. 😕

[aproudparent2010]

I am very confused? eBay gave them a courtesy refund and you are not out any money 

[albertabrightalberta]

@davidstarcher 

You were made whole. 

Are you really trying to get ebay to claw back the money from the buyer?!? Why do you care?