Buyer requested a return for a defect that I've mentioned in the listing.

[stvn_26]

Yesterday I received a return request for an item I sold a couple weeks ago. The buyer stated that the item is defective and he would like to return them. The problem is that I have clearly stated in my listing that the item has a defect to it and I have priced it considerably lower than what other models in better condition are going for on Ebay.

The item had a couple of watchers on it before selling and I sent a "make an offer" out and he has accepted my offer. With this in mind, you can assume that the buyer assumes responsibility for the condition of the item after it's been delivered?

His argument is that immediately after receiving the item, he sent the item directly back to the original manufacturer for repair and the buyer told me in the message that the original manufacturer said that item is unrepairable.

How am I suppose to accept this knowing that the only proof that he actually sent it to them is his say-so in a message? I messaged the buyer back in a timely matter stating that I would like some sort of proof that you actually sent the item back to the manufacturer and I would like for you to consult a professional 3rd party for the condition of the item. He has not replied back to me since.

It wasn't until earlier today that I decided to contact Ebay customer service. I spoke to a man who's name was Ivan. I explained my situation to him and he told me that the only thing that I need to do is wait until the return request expired 2 days from now and it should nullify itself, no further action should be taken.

The problem that I have is that nowhere on the Ebay homepage does it say or specify what will happen whenever the return request expires and it does not give me an option to appeal the request or anything. It just assumes that I am obligated to accept it no matter the outcome.

Ebay has put my funds on hold and I have taken down all of my listings in the meantime due to the uncertainty with how this situation could turned out. Help.

[heckofagame]

What will happen when the return request expires is that the buyer will ask eBay to step in. They will refund the money, the buyer will get to keep the item, and you will get a ding against your account.

The customer service available over the phone is very misinformed and they pass out bad information.

Buyers are not held accountable for reading listing. It's sad, but true. It is in your best interest to accept the return.

[kensgiftshop]

If you want it returned before refunding, accept the return and provide a shipping label.

If you don't, Ebay could refund the buyer from your account, let them keep the item, keep their fee's and give you a defect.

When you get Ebay involved, they already know whats going to happen if you don't accept the return, so I don't know why they just don't tell sellers.

[house*of*paws]

Hi @stvn_26 

It usually is unwise for a seller to challenge a buyer who files a return request saying that an item is defective.  Buyers aren't required to provide 'proof' to sellers ... or to eBay for that matter.

You didn't mention what the item is ... or the cost.  So I don't know whether you care that eBay likely will refund the buyer with your money ... and let them keep the item ... if eBay is brought into the case.  [You'd also receive a 'defect' on your account AND forfeit your fees.]  

If an eBay return request 'expires' ... buyers can request chargebacks from their credit card company for months after the purchase.  Your best solution usually is to accept the return ... and relist the item ... rather than attempt to fight it out.  

[redlinear]

@stvn_26 
Don't be upset with eBay policy (well, a little bit maybe).   
Be upset with people. AND, be upset with eBay because of all the adds and crap they have plastered all over your listing page.  Crap that distracts from your information, and sends buyers on a clicking spree to where they end up so confused they buy one thing, that's merely RELATED to what they initially found. 
I get that way with the general buying public at least twice a week.  
Makes a person want to reach through your screen and slap somebody silly. 
    I was met with this earlier today.
Reason for Return:  (wrong item sent).
Buyers message: This axle is too short, I need an axle about 3 inches longer.  Mine is about 40 inches long and the one you shipped to me is too short.
Below is the listing:
Description: ONE Rear axle shaft removed from a 2001 Dodge Ram 3500 CAB-N-CHASSIS Truck.
Rear differential was Dana 80.
CAB-N-CHASSIS: This is a truck with dual rear wheels that came from the factory without a bed. Dealer or Owner would have installed a flat bed or utility bed on the truck. Cab-n-Chassis truck has a straight axle front suspension (not independent).
Axle in good shape.
Spline count is 35
Overall "over-all" end to end length is 37"  (tip to tip, over all length is 37")

This was NOT removed from a "DUALLY" truck. 
Dually: A truck with a factory bed with the wide fenders on the bed sides. This is a cab-n-chassis rear axle, not a "dually".
 
IF you are not sure, just remove your good axle, measure it, count the splines, and compare with the info above.
FITS: 94-02 Dodge Ram 3500 Cab-N-Chassis.

[ittybitnot]

The problem is that I have clearly stated in my listing that the item has a defect ....

@stvn_26 

Unfortunately, none of that matters.  The process is automated and the only thing that counts is what the buyer chooses from the dropdown menu when filing the eBay claim.  Once that happens, NOTHING you pictured or wrote about in your listing counts anymore.  Nobody will look at, nobody will intervene on your behalf anymore for something that was exactly shown and described. 

For example, if I have a toy wagon that is missing a wheel.  I can put in the title MISSING ONE WHEEL.  I can put in the condition box ONE WHEEL MISSING.  I can put in my description that the wagon is missing a wheel, and post five photos of the space where there should be a wheel, but it is missing. 

Too bad to be me, if I get any "not as described" claim from the buyer.  (The only thing that could be worse is that I did not sell the wagon at all, and only sell shoes).   It does not matter. The buyer could put in their complaint that the wagon was missing a wheel, or they need the money to buy crack.  The seller is still on the hook for his drama.  

Years ago eBay WOULD intervene in such cases.  An example might be you sold a watch without the band. You said 'watch case only, no band',  showed the watch only without the band, and the buyer claimed there was no band for the watch, then you could get help.  THOSE DAYS ARE OVER HERE.