Buyer Hasn't Returned Item

[e-dazed]

It's been so long since I've had a return and even longer since the buyer never returned the item, I'm not sure what the process is any more.  My buyer started a return 3 weeks ago and was to have shipped the item by TODAY, 3/5/25.  Buyer hasn't returned item.  How do I get Ebay to cancel the return and release the $ they've put on hold?  Thanks for any help!

[ebooksdiva]

If the buyer never returns the item the return case will close due to inactivity.

I had that once, it took a couple weeks to close. Once it closes on its own your funds should be released. You don't want to involve eBay it never turns out well for the seller.

[stainlessenginecovers]

Sometimes takes a couple days 'after' the 'date'. 

[adamcartwright]

@e-dazed 

This happened to me last year.

eBay closed the return the next day after the buyer's deadline. 

[mam98031]

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@e-dazed wrote:

It's been so long since I've had a return and even longer since the buyer never returned the item, I'm not sure what the process is any more.  My buyer started a return 3 weeks ago and was to have shipped the item by TODAY, 3/5/25.  Buyer hasn't returned item.  How do I get Ebay to cancel the return and release the $ they've put on hold?  Thanks for any help!

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@e-dazed 

It does take a few weeks, but you should be close.  Ebay will close the case in your favor and release the funds from being on hold.  So be patient, you are close.  You do have to wait on Ebay to do it.

[bashort]

sometime I get the following disturbing  message from ebay on a timed out return, I never knew if this was automated or the buyer actually opened a case

We'd previously contacted you about a case that xxxxxxx  has asked eBay Customer Service to review and make a final decision.

Until the case is resolved, the case amount will be withheld from future payouts

followed shortly after by

We reviewed this case and have closed it without any refund to the buyer.

The case will not affect your seller performance. Any feedback left for this transaction will be removed.

The buyer did not return the item to you within the required timeframe.

[kickin.assets]

@bashort 

I’ve always questioned that myself! Did the buyer open or eBay? After reading your post, I now believe it’s just automated by eBay.

It is one of those moments though where your heart skips a beat but within minutes, all is good, thankfully!! 😁

[e-dazed]

Thanks, everyone!  I'm happy to report that while my $ were held 3 weeks while waiting for the buyer, since they missed their deadline yesterday, 3/5, Ebay automatically closed the return on 3/6 and sent my held funds the same day.  Glad to see they've got that process worked out!

[mam98031]

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@kickin.assets wrote:

@bashort 

I’ve always questioned that myself! Did the buyer open or eBay? After reading your post, I now believe it’s just automated by eBay.

It is one of those moments though where your heart skips a beat but within minutes, all is good, thankfully!! 😁

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Ebay does not open INADs or INRs, buyers do.  Now Ebay may assist a buyer in opening one or the other if they are having trouble navigating the site, but Ebay does not open the claims, it is a Buyer.

[mam98031]

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@e-dazed wrote:

Thanks, everyone!  I'm happy to report that while my $ were held 3 weeks while waiting for the buyer, since they missed their deadline yesterday, 3/5, Ebay automatically closed the return on 3/6 and sent my held funds the same day.  Glad to see they've got that process worked out!

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That is wonderful news.  Just so you know, that is how the process works.  Happy Selling!!!!