How do I send a return label to my buyer without initiating a refund request?

[smw3]

OK, so I made a mistake when shipping two orders of different quantities of the same small but heavy item to two different customers.  One ordered 5 pcs, the other ordered 25 pcs.  I've already shipped replacements to the buyer who got shorted so they're satisfied.  The buyer who got too many has offered to return the extras he got by mistake.  I am happy to let him keep a few for his trouble but would very much like to get back 20 of them.  Since they are so heavy they need to ship in a Priority Flat Rate Regional B box. 

My question is:  How can I send my buyer a USPS shipping label via Ebay so that I get the shipping discount without him first initiating a return request that could result in me owing a refund?

If this is too complicated I'm inclined to just write off the loss rather than spend the rest of my week trying to reclaim $80 worth of merchandise.

[momdadsstash]

Did you try to go directly to USPS and buy a label and email a copy to the buyer? 

And are they willing to acquire the right box? 

[reallynicestamps]

It is never necessary to use eBay when buying postage or postal products.

[momdadsstash]

Give this a thought. If the weight isn't really too much, you might consider using USPS Ground and the buyer can just use any box they may have on hand. 

It might not be much or any more since it wouldn't be Priority.

[smw3]

It is necessary to buy the postage through Ebay if I want to get the generous discount I normally receive as a Top Rated Ebay seller. 

[smw3]

The Priority Regional B Flat Rate Box is far cheaper than any other method due to the high density of the items - they are literally made of lead.

[smw3]

I did try that but I can't get the same rate as through Ebay and couldn't even find a way to use the same lower cost Priority Regional B Flat Rate Box.  Beyond a certain cost the entire thing isn't worth my trouble.  I just want to provide my buyer with the  same label I used to ship the package but can't figure out an easy way to do it that doesn't require him to go to the Post Office.

[momdadsstash]

Well, they could sign up at USPS and order a box. Their mailman...oops...person will deliver it to them and then, since they're already signed up,  they can also schedule a pick up.

It does take a few days to get one.

But, no, you won't get the discount but, gee, you can't have everything.

Still better than sucking up $60.

[stainlessenginecovers]

You can ask the customer to just 'seal it up and put 'refuse' on the front; USPS will return it. 

I just did the same (visa versa 2 customers, sent 'new items' and just asked them to do as I stated, and it worked great)