I have a buyer who filed a return request that I auto accepted. The buyer took 5 days to upload tracking. The next day he escalated (asked ebay to step in) which turned the issue to a case in my Resolution Center. I asked CS how is the buyer able to escalate so soon... they said that the buyer can always escalate when the 3 days passed from return being opened regardless of how cooperative you are or if the item didn't arrive to you yet. Is that actually true, or was the CS misinformed and the buyer was able to file due to a glitch?
If the CS was correct, then the grace period ebay gives you to refund after the item shows delivered (I think it's like 5 days) is totally useless since the buyer can escalate at that time already.
Btw, the CS also pointed out that the buyer actually uploaded an invalid tracking number... that's why the item will not show delivery. She said because of this, she can close the case out. The buyer apparently tried to scam a return by returning nothing (the buyer was already problematic prior to the return). Later I find out that the CS actually ruled no seller fault but paid the buyer their refund anyways.
So knowing that protocol, if a buyer wants to return something... you can just send it back with the tracking and escalate right away without waiting for the item to be delivered... you will eventually get your money back. Ebay loophole #2343251.
