How long does a return request "sit" for?

[bigdeals.etc]

I have a return request that the buyer filed back in March 12. It was a buyer saying they wanted to exchange it for another size, but didn't specify which size. I told them I'd honor it, just tell me which size. They've stopped responding since March 12 and the request is still open in my return details page. I assumed the buyer decided to keep their item.

Shouldn't this return time out already and close?

[mam98031]

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@bigdeals.etc wrote:

Ebay should change their policy for closing out these returns... "If there is inactivity these returns will automatically close out when we get to it."

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They already have that written policy, it is 30 days.  But what is interesting is that Ebay seems to be very inconsistent about adhereing to their own rule.

I provided a link to the policy a few posts back if that is of interest to you.

[brian@ebay]

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@bigdeals.etc wrote:

I have a return request that the buyer filed back in March 12. It was a buyer saying they wanted to exchange it for another size, but didn't specify which size. I told them I'd honor it, just tell me which size. They've stopped responding since March 12 and the request is still open in my return details page. I assumed the buyer decided to keep their item.

Shouldn't this return time out already and close?

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Hi @bigdeals.etc, I wasn't able to find an open return on your account from more than 30 days ago that matches the details provided here. The only return I see from more than 30 days ago is one where the return has been received and we are giving you time to refund. Some returns will be open for more than 30 days depending on the specific details, as shipping and refund time frames can extend the request for longer than 30 days from the date it was initially opened.
 
Additionally, since this buyer requested an exchange the 30 day time frame wouldn't apply; the time frame that a request for an exchange or replacement will stay open is 27 business days, which will extend beyond a 30 calendar day period of time. How the request for a replacement or exchange is responded to (and when it is responded to) can also adjust the time period the request remains open.
 
For example, if a seller accepts the request for an exchange or replacement the buyer now has 5 business days to ship the item back to the seller. Depending on when this is accepted, the request may remain open longer than 27 business days as we have to allow 5 full business days for the buyer to ship as well as any necessary time for return delivery.
 
If you are still seeing an open return on your returns page, let me know the item number and I'll be happy to investigate further for you to ensure everything is working as it should!

[bigdeals.etc]

If you check a later post of mine, you will see that the case automatically closed itself this morning most likely due to timing out. So the problem solved itself.

The return wasn't filed as an exchange... it was filed for a refund but the buyer asked for an exchange. So it still qualified as a return for refund under ebay's eyes since the buyer didn't go thru the exchange process. Which kinda still makes me wonder why the return remain open for so long. I hadn't accepted the return yet because I was waiting for the buyer to reply what they wanted to exchange for.

[mam98031]

brian@ebay

Thank you for popping in and explaining this.  I found it very helpful.