Buyer taking their time to send the item back

[tankmartin23]

Hi everyone,

I have asked a buyer to send back the item because they said it was damaged prior to shipping. They received the item 1/2/19 and sent me a message to return the item due to damage on my part on 1/6/19. I responded the next day asking them to return for a full refund or they could keep the item for a 50% refund. I didn't hear back from them until 1/20/19 and they stated that the item won't be returned immediately due to a death in the family.  Does the buyer have as long as they like to send the item back to me? I couldn't find anything online or on ebay about the seller taking their time to send the item back. I have read that if they opened a case to return, they have 5 days to send the item back. How can this be resolved? Thank you for taking your time to read this.

[eunster1313]

https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/ebay-money-back-guarantee-policy/ebay-money-back-guarantee-policy...

[jennzet-0]

They have 5 days in which to upload tracking showing items is being sent back.

If none has been uploaded to case on day 6 call ebay and ask that they close case in your favor.  I find it works better when you ask to stay on the phone while they close it.

[tankmartin23]

Hi,

I've already read through what ebay has posted to no avail. Thank you though. 

[tankmartin23]

Hi,

The buyer never opened up a case, that's the problem. The buyer messaged me instead and normally that works but I never heard back from the buyer until today (1/20/19). Thank you though. 

[jennzet-0]

Then do absolutely nothing until and if he does so.

You already offered him to either return or get a 50% off discount.  The next step is now up to him.

[tankmartin23]

So basically six months from now they decide to send it back do I still have to refund them? there has to be a limit, I guess I will call eBay.

[southern*sweet*tea · Accepted solution]

The buyer has thirty days from the date of delivery to file a case with Ebay. Messages aren't cases. If a return request is not opened, once that thirty days is over, then it's all over as far as Ebay is concerned.

The buyer does have 180 days from the date of sale to file with Paypal, but they will be required to pay the return shipping.

[tankmartin23]

Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!!!

[loveyourimagination49]

They have 30 days to open a case on eBay and 180 days to open a case with PayPal. If they haven’t opened a case yet there is nothing for you to do.
Was it damaged?

[tankmartin23]

Yes, they stated the item was damaged. From what I remember, the item was not damaged prior. They stated that the packaging wasn't damaged therefore I must have damaged it. I offered a full refund or 50% if they wanted to keep the item, they were 4 dipping dishes for olive oil and supposedly two were chipped.