OK, the best way to handle a return is to go to the Resolution Center and file a 'case' for the return. Link is at the bottom of this page: lower right corner under Help & Contact. The 'catch' of course is one has to follow the procedures EXACTLY or one loses out.
It wasn't clear if you did open a case and what kind (reason for the return)? Sounds like you might have opened a remorse type of case, but....
There are two possibilities:
1) Buyer is responsible for paying for return shipping (remorse reason). You pay the cost to ship it back - make sure it has TRACKING all the way to the seller.
2) Seller is responsible for paying for return shipping. In this situation when the buyer is overseas, the can not buy shipping in the USA, YOU have to buy it. That is why eBay asked how much the shipping would cost. Normally in a situation where seller is responsible for the shipping, you tell them the cost and they send you money SEPARATE! from a return. Do not accept a 'partial refund' to pay for the shipping and in the end you will have ended up paying for the shipping. so seller sends fund via PayPal or some other transfer system. You get the money, buy a return label, ship the item and when tracking shows 'delivered' (returned) seller issues you a refund.
Now as far as who is responsible for return shipping, depends on the reason you selected for the return.
I think this whole experience is a good example of how tough it is to buy car parts on line. I have done it but only after I get the OEM part number from the manufacture's website and then only search eBay on that part number. Too many sellers list stuff as, fits Model ABC, Years 20XX to 20YY, etc when in fact they don't know that for sure or it is a reproduction part that may or may not fit depending on the quality of manufacturing. So as a buyer one has to be VERY careful and spend A LOT of time checking and double checking!
The only reason the return would be closed would be that when a buyer was required to ship the item back in a certain time period and failed to do so, When that happens, the seller asks for eBay's help and eBay closed the case. Buyers want to avoid this as the MBG is the best in the business at protecting buyers.
If you used PayPal in the transaction you could file a return case there. PP will require you to pay return shipping, which while costly, would get you a refund and limit your loss. Alternatively you could turn around and sell the part on eBay to recoup your losses. er, if you can properly identify which make/modle that part fits.
I think in the long run, with as many parts that are out there for so many cars it often makes sense to just go to a B&M store and use their "expertise" to get the right part. Of course if you don't returns are a lot less of a hassle! I learned this the hard way- being penny wise turned out for me to be pound foolish!
Good luck
