Is it safe to use seller's return label outside of eBay returns system? Any drawbacks?

[amodoko]

Not a huge deal, but I need to return a defective item to a reputable seller on eBay that sells a lot and has good feedback.  They asked me via eBay messages to not open up a return through eBay and to just return the item to them using their shipping label they sent us via eBay messages.  I know a lot of sellers prefer returns that way so they can have a lower return rate/etc on their statistics on eBay.  Is it acceptable to do a return this way? I know a lot of buyers oblige and return outside of eBay's return system to help the seller, but are there any real drawbacks to helping the seller out and returning it to them outside of eBay's return system?  

[lakefor94]

If you send the item back without opening a return case and using the label documented in the return case, you have no protection from eBay and eBay won't help you. 

[amodoko]

Okay thanks for the reply, but I was under the impression that as long as all the communication occurs over eBay messages and has the seller's personal return label within eBay messages, that the buyer is protected since eBay can read all the messages within the eBay messaging system and verify the tracking number the seller gave me for the return shipping label.  But if that's not true, please let me know.  Thank you so much

[chevymontecarlo88]

Most would advise you to stay within the Ebay return request process for obvious reasons. If the Seller is asking you to just use there label without opening up a return, would they fully refund you before you ship the item back? Seems like a reasonable request.  I still would keep it within the return request on Ebay but that is up to you.

[an-36344]

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@amodoko wrote:

Not a huge deal, but I need to return a defective item to a reputable seller on eBay that sells a lot and has good feedback. 

They asked me via eBay messages to not open up a return through eBay and to just return the item to them using their shipping label they sent us via eBay messages. 

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1. If they don't refund after you return that label received via eBay messages, you can still file a return request within 30 days of the original delivery, refer to the eBay messages, and upload the return tracking number to get your refund.

2. Or you can file a dispute at PayPal with that return tracking number to get your refund. Starting today May 20, 2024 it also must be filed within 30 days from actual delivery.

3. Otherwise file a chargeback within 120 to 180 days for Credit Not Received @amodoko and provide that tracking number for your refund.

[kensgiftshop]

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@amodoko wrote:

Okay thanks for the reply, but I was under the impression that as long as all the communication occurs over eBay messages and has the seller's personal return label within eBay messages, that the buyer is protected since eBay can read all the messages within the eBay messaging system and verify the tracking number the seller gave me for the return shipping label.  But if that's not true, please let me know.  Thank you so much

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No, doesn't matter whats said in messages.

You would only be protected by opening a case through Ebay.

You get some shady sellers that have buyers return items outside of Ebay, then they won't refund.

[monster-deals]

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@amodoko wrote:

 They asked me via eBay messages to not open up a return through eBay and to just return the item to them using their shipping label they sent us via eBay messages.  

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No dice. 

[simba6]

Only if they refund before you return the item.