Buyer returned item more expensive way on their own instead of opening a case

[rebby-clothes]

A buyer sent me a message claiming I sent them the wrong item so they shipped it back. They sent me a picture of a receipt that is 3x what the eBay label would have cost. They want me to reimburse them the full amount. They did not open a return beforehand or I would have just sent the label to them since they are claiming wrong item and I know I can't win that. I don't even have a way to refund them even if I wanted to since I don't have their email, all I can do is refund the transaction when I get it back. Should I try to refund more or just risk the negative?

[klhmdg]

You do not have to pay return shipping IF the buyer just chose to send it back.

Once you receive the item then you can refund.

I dont think I would message with the buyer at this point.

If and When the item appears, go into the item and refund in full. 

[mtgraves7984]

I agree. The shipper still has the ability to recall the package. Sit tight.

[santamonicajeweler]

You can remove negatives on returned items very easy, don't go overboard because of just that. I know, some people pay way too much for postage and it's a very common problem. But it's not your problem!

[ainpie-10]

I agree not your problem! They didn’t know what they were doing.

[rebby-clothes]

Oh, I'm definitely not refunding anything yet, since I don't even know if it's a legit receipt they showed me and who knows if I'll get something back. 

[rebby-clothes]

Thanks, I am leaning towards just refunding original payment in full and moving on if I do get my item back. I don't really wanna pay am extra $12 because they didn't read what to do anyway.

[fab_finds4u]

You can't make the refund for more than they paid in a single transaction. You can refund their original payment when the item is returned, and were it me I would  send them the equivalent of the return label cost via PayPal in a separate payment because that is all you were obligated to do. 

when you get it back