My item returned with no case ever opened - how best to refund without hurting myself?

[electrola_man]

A buyer wrote to me expressing dissatisfaction.  I advised to return, and I would refund.  I got the item back in the mail yesterday and all is fine.  No case was ever opened.  What is the best way to refund?  Researching some past posts, I've seen some advice to "cancel," but that was a couple of years ago.  I just want to give the buyer the price paid plus original shipping, and avoid a defect.  Thanks.

[dirk12955]

IMO Paypal

[sfginsider]

Ive had this happened many times. As I sell cheaper items, they sometimes have minor defects or issues in the mail. Often Ive had the buyer just tell me there was an issue and issue a refund through PayPal. If they don't open a eBay money back claim you don't have any defects or reasons to worry. Just make sure you refund them since they gave you the item back. I try to issue refunds within 24 hours of receiving if in the same condition. 

[pjcdn2005]

I haven't had to do that for a while but it is my understanding (just based on what I've read here lately)  that if there are messages back and forth showing that the item was returned and that is why you are refunding that there should be no defect given if you do a cancellation on ebay or refund directly on Paypal.  The advantage with a cancellation is that you automatically get your fees back.

[green-night · Accepted solution]

The advantage with a cancellation is that you automatically get your fees back.

Exactly.

OP, if you refund through Paypal you will need to call eBay and ask for the FVF credit. They will give it to you once they see you refunded the payment but I would cancel through eBay if you can to save the trouble. 

[electrola_man]

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@green-night wrote:

The advantage with a cancellation is that you automatically get your fees back.

Exactly.

OP, if you refund through Paypal you will need to call eBay and ask for the FVF credit. They will give it to you once they see you refunded the payment but I would cancel through eBay if you can to save the trouble. 

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I did the cancellation through ebay and all seemed to go fine.  I even remembered to un-check the box that would have caused the item to be immediately relisted (hate that--big pet peeve for another time and place).  Thanks.

[monster-deals]

The best way to refund in this scenario is to not and keep the money since the item no longer qualifies for the MBG.

Offer to return it to the buyer on their dime.