Return tracking issues, refund declined

[vms821]

How can I make a return tracking code work with eBay?

In short: I tried to follow every step to return an item, but since eBay did not recognize my tracking code I will not get a refund even after making an appeal.

Here's what happened step by step: 
1) I bought and received an item that was not as described.
2) I created a return case, contacted eBay and they decided I should return the item for refund.
3) I sent the item back with priority and tracking code from local post office, but eBay's site would not accept the tracking code ("Your tracking number is not recognized") even though other global tracking services recognize the tracking code just fine.
4) I contacted eBay and asked them to help me to add the tracking code to my return, eBay customer service said "I already added the return tracking # that you used on shippping the item back."
5) eBay later sent me a message "This request was closed because we didn't receive your tracking information"
6) I contacted eBay again, asking why return request was closed even though I provided the tracking code to eBay customer services and got "We'll respond to your appeal within 48 hours"
7) eBay later sent me a message "After reviewing this case, we decided to keep the original outcome. We weren't able to grant your appeal because we determined the original decision was correct." (case ID #5197034754)

Is there something that can be done in a case like this to get a refund? 

[orangehound]

@vms821 

eBay customer service is sometimes poor, software is sometimes glitchy, and a lot of eBay's routine work is done by software robots and low-paid customer service minions that can't handle exotic situations well.  It may take some hassle to resolve, but eventually you should be refunded IF the tracking correctly demonstrates the package was delivered (or attempted to be delivered) to the correct address.

1. Does the tracking show the package as being delivered?
2. If so, does the postal code of the delivery location match the postal code of the return address?

I am not familiar with EU financial dispute processes (you might get a better answer on the UK boards), but if one experienced such a problem with tracking in the United States,  then I would recommend that they abandon the eBay refund process and quickly file a problem with their credit/debit card payment method, claiming that the item was received faulty and returned, but seller refuses refund.

[vms821]

"Does the tracking show the package as being delivered?" - Shipment is still on it's way.
"file a problem with their credit/debit card payment method" - This might work, thanks for the tip!

[orangehound]

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@vms821 wrote:
"Does the tracking show the package as being delivered?" - Shipment is still on it's way.

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If the shipment is still on its way, then (a)  you should not expect a refund until it is delivered; and, (b) eBay should not close the case in the seller's favor.

[3eyedfishcatcher]

Did you pay with Paypal if so the same protections come with them plus instead of 30 days you get 180. Double check the tracking number and file a claim with them since ebay is not listening. On some international shipping the tracking changes once the item is in the destination country. This could be the issue and usually the tracking on the origin side will show the new tracking number. You may need to get this to show the delivery. Also some times you have to add a 2 letter abbreviation for the destination country to the beginning of the tracking and a 2 letter abbreviation for the origin country at the end of the tracking number. Then the tracking number will work at the destination countries postal web site.

[vms821]

"Did you pay with Paypal if so the same protections come with them plus instead of 30 days you get 180. Double check the tracking number and file a claim with them since ebay is not listening. " - PayPal was used, thanks for the tip!

[lookin4deals2010]

insure your item you sold