Ebay automatically refunded total amount to buyer who returned an item broken.

[lbi.letzbuyit]

Buyer requested a return saying the item was defective.  No problem.  But when I received the item back, it was not in the original box, which had form-fitting styrofoam.  They used a box that was too small, and the bubble wrap did absolutely nothing.  The item was broken in half a dozen pieces.  I refused to refund the buyer's money, reported them to Ebay, and asked Ebay to step in.  The only thing I heard from Ebay was 48 hours later, when they emailed that they refunded the buyer the total amount, including shipping.  Anybody else have this issue?  Ebay says it's over and done, but I still want to pursue it.  Ebay tells me now I had those 48 hours to issue a partial refund.  I guess I was so angry, I didn't see that option.  I really didn't want the buyer to receive a penny in return, out of negligence in not returning the new item in the same condition or materials.  From what I read, I still would have had to give them 80%.  Sounds like ALL Buyer protection to me.  Where's the Seller Protection??  I would appreciate positive comments and suggestions.

[donsdetour]

Are you even sure it was the same item you shipped and not a broke one returned to you???

You got an item not as described case and got the item back: you refund;

Do not expect the buyer to know how to pack: that is one of the problems with all of this:

Just so you know:  if eBay found against the buyer : they (buyer) get to go to PayPal for a try at refund, and then try their credit card: the buyer will win.

Problem is you get a ding due to eBay forcing the refund on top of it all.  That effects your seller metrics.