Your first step before initiating an Arbitration is to give eBay Notice of Dispute. After receiving the Notice, if possible, eBay will resolve the matter. If they cannot resolve the matter in your favor, then you decide if you wish to continue with the Arbitration. eBay has a form to give Notice here Notice_of_Dispute.pdf
According to the American Arbitration Association (AAA) Consumer Report, since 2019, most of the eBay Arbitration request have been settled and dismissed without going into Arbitration.
Out of 49 cases since 2019, I have only seen one case that was awarded to the Consumer, six that were awarded to eBay and the rest were either settled or withdrawn.
Once you pay your Fees to initiate the Arbitration Hearing you must give the Business a Demand for Arbitration and allow 30 days for them to respond. The hearing will be scheduled quickly. The entire process should take less than a year.
AAA says that if your case is settled before an Arbitrator is appointed then there is no Fee. The Fee for the Consumer is $225 and the Business is $1400. eBay says if you agree to a Arbitration Hearing they will pay your Fee. I guess you would have to request your Fee to be reimbursed from them.
Arbitration is somewhat complicated, but many people have the Hearing without an Attorney. Go to the AAA website and read all the rules and procedures and decide if is worth your effort or if you wish to ask for a Hearing without an Attorney.
https://adr.org/sites/default/files/Consumer-Rules-Web_0.pdf
