Return request approved directly by eBay without any seller actions?

[she-41788]

Something happened after I made a purchase and the item is no longer needed, so I started a return and was ready to pay for the shipping. I also contacted the seller to apologize and ask about the details of return shipping. Unexpectedly, though, eBay simply approved my request within hours, provided me with a free shipping label, and instructed me to send the item back in 5 business days. Now the status of my request is "Your action is required, Respond by March 5, 2020". Meanwhile, the seller has neither taken any actions towards my request (no accept or decline) nor replied to my message. As a first time buyer on eBay, I am very confused by this situation. I wonder if I should just return the item using the eBay provided label, or wait for more instructions from the user. Any suggestions?

P.S. I just noticed that the return address provided by eBay was different from the return address on the original packaging, which makes the situation even more confusing. 

[pjcdn2005]

If the seller accepts returns then the system usually approves them automatically.  It’s unlikely that you will hear from your seller as they know it has already been approved  so just use the label and send the item back.

[dede394]

If possible @she-41788, stand in line to have your label scanned, rather than just leave it at the side counter or drop it in a blue collection box.

There's a current issue where tracking shows that the label has arrived back, but eBay does not realize the tracking number already shown on your Return Details page has even been shipped, and will send you a reminder to ship your label.

So get an Acceptance scan, at least.

[labs118 · Accepted solution]

Does the seller accept free returns? and If so it doesn't matter if it is a Buyers remorse.
Or are you confused & ebay did supply the label but you will need to pay for it?
Either way a seller who accepts returns doesn't have a choice if a buyer requests a return for remorse reason & has to pay ebay still will send the buyer a label.
If the buyer request a return for a Not as described ebay still automatically accepts the return but gives the seller a few days to respond.
At this point if they offer returns Print your label & get it shipped , stop waiting for a seller response

[myescape]

You lose buyer protection if you do not use the return address on the eBay label/in the return details

[she-41788]

Thank you for the information! So, to confirm, I just need to take the package to a nearby USPS office and see to it that the label gets scanned. Would I need to update the shipping status in eBay after the item has been shipped, or it will update to "shipped" automatically?

[she-41788]

The seller stated "seller pays for return shipping" on their page, not specifying if it applies to both Buyers remorse and Not as described situations, so I contacted them to confirm. Now eBay has provided a return label, while the seller has not replied to any of my messages. Maybe they find it unnecessary since I could use the free label offered by eBay. Shall I just go ahead and get the item shipped?

[pjcdn2005]

Yes, go ahead and ship it.

If the listing says that seller pays returns that is for all returns.

[she-41788]

Will do that. Thank you for all your help!