buyer opened a return case before the item was delivered

[theleyline]

As title suggests, a buyer opened a return case on something they bought from me, but the item just went into transit (they changed their mind and just don't want it anymore).  The case says I have until Oct 7th to respond, and it's giving me the normal options, approve the return, refund them etc. Should I approve the return right now? Or is it smarter to wait for the thing to be delivered first? (assuming it doesn't run into any delays and is delivered before the 7th)

[fab_finds4u]

Approve the return. If you don't eBay can step in and force you to refund and the buyer gets to keep the item.  Don't let that happen.

Approve the return and refund when it's delivered back.

[dbfolks166mt]

You have little choice but to approve the return but do NOT refund their money until you have the item back. You could try to see if USPS could intercept the item, there is a cost for this but it may be cheaper than the cost of the full return postage. 

[mam98031]

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@fab_finds4u wrote:

Approve the return. If you don't eBay can step in and force you to refund and the buyer gets to keep the item.  Don't let that happen.

Approve the return and refund when it's delivered back.

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Excellent advice.

I would just add that after you approve the return, it is then in the buyer's hands now.  If they don't ship the item back to you, you won't have to refund them.  So I agree.  Op should approve the return right away and then just wait.  

[inhawaii]

I'm not giving you advice, just sharing this story.

My memory is terrible but i believe i went through the same thing a few years back. One of the few, or maybe the ONLY time i (the seller) won a not as described case. How can the buyer know it's not as described BEFORE receiving the item? They can't.  It's impossible. They have to  be lying. That's the way i looked at it and ebay agreed. Ebay found in my favor and the buyer was denied the return and a refund. 

Good luck and stay safe.