Why does eBay issue refunds without notice and automatically return requests?

[naanshop5]

I’m trying to understand why eBay sometimes issues refunds without the buyer explicitly requesting them or without any clear communication.

In some cases, a return request is automatically opened without any action from the buyer or seller.

Is this triggered by the system?

Is there a specific policy where eBay takes automatic action in favor of the buyer?

Are sellers notified about this in advance?

How can a refund be issued automatically even after the item is marked as delivered?

I’d really appreciate a detailed explanation of how this process works, as it can be quite confusing for sellers.

Thank you!

[stainlessenginecovers]

Refunds are never done that way. Some are opened by the buyer and the system 'automates' returns of approves them if the reason of Not As Described' is used. You are then given a couple days to 'respond' to the 'case' by approving the 'return label' (that you pay for)

If you ignore or don't see the case (would be shown in Seller Hub) then buyer can escalate and then ebay auto refunds out of your pocket, not requiring the buyer to ship item back. 

[caldreamer]

EBAY does NOT "open return" on behalf of the customer.    Only customer can open return.

EBAY has an automated return system and if Seller refuses to "accept the return" (EBAY will automatically refund the customer and allow them to keep your item).  

[mtgraves7984]

Oh, my, you do appear to be quite confused. Before we even start... do you want to sell here, or are you just curious?