@vivien-c wrote:I understand completely, and agree that the ideal case of scenario would to have them pay for return shipping even though I paid for original shipping (it was free) because they will probably not keep the item. However the return request says "Note that if you accept a return, you'll be charged for return shipping." so altogether it'll be $30 x 2 if I paid for original and return shipping. I am willing to swallow the original cost but I don't know how to get the buyer to pay return shipping.
Ah... well in this case it appears they indeed opened a "not as described" case to avoid paying return shipping and you will be forced to pay it.
I am sorry this happened but the only other choice is to refund them completely and let them keep the item and I would never recommend doing that to anyone here, even if it cost money, myself included.
Peronsally I'd rather pay to get an item back, lose a few bucks, and throw it in the garbage or burn rather than letting a lying scammer keep it for free. 
@vivien-c wrote:I asked them to double check if there is nothing that indicates the manufacturer as a last ditch effort, but I don't think there was. Just waiting for their response. I know there is laundry instructions sewn in but that's not helpful. I only removed the detachable tag, nothing on the inside.
I understand that I only took 2 photos, however I would have gladly taken more photos if requested if anyone had doubts before buying to avoid this hassle from the start.
Another thing to keep in mind is you only have I think 3-4 days (it should tell you this with the return request) to comply and get it settled, and if you do not, ebay will refund the buyer, let them keep the item AND give you a defect on your account which can impact your selling privileges.
It really does suck the way things are when you get a dishonest buyer, but unfortunately it's something we as sellers here are forced to deal with. 
@vivien-c wrote:Thank you for all the help and advice, that is the reason why I try not to sell too many things on ebay as there are dishonest buyers who take advantage of ebay's return policy and lie. I read stories about sellers not receiving their item back even after giving returns so it's pretty scary.
I'm surprised to say that the buyer closed the return request after replying "You know what, that's fine I trust you. I'll close the case. Thanks for everything Vivien, love the jacket anyways haha". I'm lucky this was resolved favorably but I have learned a great deal about being more cautious when listing products and especially with keeping tags for expensive products lol.
So happy to hear about your positive outcome in this case! I bet you are relieved!
Yes, the best defense a seller can provide for himself or herself on ebay is to take the most accurate, detailed photos possible, with good lighting showing off any defects or possibly perceived imperfections (even to the packaging materials!) and to describe all such imperfections clearly in the description.
Beyond that, there isn't much we as sellers can do to protect ourselves.
The sad fact is that some buyers will look at ONLY the pictures or a quick glance at the pictures and the title and just impulsively buy without looking carefully at the detailed descriptions most good sellers provide.
This is facilitated of course not only by ebay's **bleep** mobile app (which is popular simply because it's on MOBILE!) and by the fact ebay is now having this terrible "click here for full description" button even on regular computers and browsers.
Very frustrating for honest sellers who do a good job describing their items!
