Return request: does contacting buyer delay timeframes?

[2010byandsel100]

Received a return request

how long do I have to respond?

does contacting the buyer extend that time?

(they are trying to pull a fast one: switcheroo)

[bonjourami]

The seller has three business days to respond, and contacting the buyer does not extend that time. At the end of the three days, the buyer will ask Ebay to step in. Ebay will refund and not require the buyer to return the item, and the seller will receive a defect.

[cashvaluerecovery2011]

Once the return request is opened there is an X amount of days to respond. I dont remember how many. Speaking with them does not increase or decrease that X amount of days. If you wait to long ebay will 100% for sure close the request in favor of the buyer, issue them a refund with your money, and allow them to keep the item.

Its almost always best with this ungodly glitchy platform and their buyer assistance with scam buyers to go ahead and respond and handle it quickly.

[threshold.sales.group]

OP,

No, communicating with the buyer is not considered a response and does not extend the timeline.  The only actions that eBay considers as a "response" are the seller authorizing eBay to provide a return label (or provide one yourself within the case) or refunding without requiring a return.