Return request time limit

[bigdeals.etc]

I have a 30 day return policy on my items. A buyer purchased an item and received it back in 3/16/17. They filed a return request on 4/21/17, over 30 days. The title of the email notice said "(buyer) would like to return..." instead of the more usual "Return requested..." Not sure if that makes any difference.

But the return request is still open. Am I obligated to honor this return? Will it just time out soon and close on it's own? If I decline, can the buyer escalate or appeal within ebay? I'm aware they can always file a Paypal case.

[xgoblazersx]

You have a few days (I think it's 3) to respond to the case.  Did you say that you approve the request if they pay the return shipping?  If so, it will time out after 30 days.  They cannot appeal since they failed to address the case in a timely manner, and as they were told.

[copper.boom · Accepted solution]

@bigdeals.etc No, you are not obligated to accept the return via eBay if it is outside the 30 day window from the date the buyer received the package. Was 3/16 the order date or the delivery date?

Keep in mind that if you decline the return they can still file a claim via PayPal.

[bigdeals.etc]

I haven't accepted nor declined the request. All I've done is send messages back and forth with the buyer within that return details page.  3/16 was the delivery date. The order date was 3/13.

And yes I'm aware that buyers can always fight and win thru Paypal no matter how valid/invalid their reason is.

[myangelandmyprincess]

If it's actually giving you a decline option then that means you can simply decline and it will close   You do t get a decline option otherwise 

[bigdeals.etc]

I see. My concern if I decline it now is what does the buyer see on their end? I'd rather avoid any possibly negative confrontations if I can. In hindsight, I would have declined this right away so the buyer can't leave me a negative feedback. But since the buyer purchased the item over 60 days ago they can't leave feedback anyways. So I think in this particular situation I'll just let it time out on it's own to avoid any possible negativity.

[rock4best]

Did you check when that item was delivered? Your return policies 30 days start the day item was delivered, not the day when buyer bought the item.

[takikawa4]

OP has stated the delivery date was 3/16.