returns

[lellor_wruappzf7]

I recently returned the money for an item that arrived slightly damaged.  I did it the day the buyer requested a refund.  I waited over a week to receive the returned item, when it didn't arrive, I contacted the buyer.  They claim that they didn't know I wanted it back and threw it out.  The buyer did not get in touch with me at all, they did not ask me if I wanted it back, just assumed that I didn't.  I bought a return shipping label, the buyer claims they did receive it. I was charged for the shipping label.  The buyer is uncooperative, has not attempted to apologize for this.  According to the buyer this is all Ebay's fault.  I think the buyer took the return money and kept the item.  Now I do not have the item or the money.  What should I do?

[ebooksdiva]

When you refunded BEFORE receiving the item back , you basically told the buyer to keep the item.

If you wanted the item back you should've first issued a return label by accepting the return, when you received the item back then you can REFUND. 
The buyer is under no obligation to send anything back to you.

[1786davycrockett]

@lellor_wruappzf7 

Did the buyer actually open up an official eBay return case, or did they just notify you that they wanted a refund due to the breakage?

If you refunded BEFORE the buyer opened up an official eBay "Return this item" case, then you have voided out your expectations of receiving the item back.

You should NEVER refund a buyer, BEFORE receiving and confirming that you have receive the returned item.

There's nothing that eBay can do for you -- sorry.