Seller can't send a return shipping label and I can't open dispute

[ellamok]

I've received the damaged fishing rod from US and started the return process. The seller agreed to a return, but can't buy a return shipping label (international shipping). Now I'm supposed to send items back. The shipping will cost me 300 usd (UPS) because the rod is 1.5 m long. There no other option in my city. This is twice the price of the fishing rod. I'm not sure that I will be reimbursed and I'm not ready to pay 300 usd from my pocket. The seller doesn't respond to my messages and I can't contact the ebay because there are just no option to do so.  If I don't ship by 21 March, then according to ebay "we might close your return and there's a chance you won't get a refund".

What should I do in this case? Ship the item back and hope that I will get reimbursed the shipping cost?

[green-night]

What kind of return did you open?  Was it a Not As Described reason?   If so, you absolutely do not want to pay the return shipping yourself - I doubt the seller will voluntarily give that money back to you upon return. 

On the 21st you might have the option to ask 'ebay to step in' but if I were you I would definitely call and explain that the seller did not provide a label.   The seller either has to provide you a pre-paid label or send you the money to return.   If they don't ebay will force the refund without a return. 

[ellamok]

I chose "arrived damaged" reason.

My problem now is that there is no option to get eBay involved. What number should I call for customer support?

I'm even thinking to open any kind of dispute on a second item in the package just to get the eBay attention.

[flyerfandan999]

If you are in the Resolution Center process, you may be in the waiting period wherein eBay allows to the Seller to come up with a solution.  This is normally 3 full business days.  (I think Customer Service agents are allowed to extend that time period for international transactions.)

Once the waiting period has elapsed, you should see a link to click on in the Resolution Center to ask eBay to step in and enforce the Money Back Guarantee.  Keep checking for this, if you do not see it on the 4th full business day, then look up eBay's phone number for your country and call them.

If the Seller realizes that they will have to pay the return shipping for the fishing rod, and that would cost twice as much as the rod sold for, it makes no economic sense to do so, and they will probably abandon the fishing rod (meaning not pay you to ship it back) and eBay will issue you a full refund.

BTW, this is a prime example of why I choose to use the Global Shipping Program (GSP)!

[missjen831 · Accepted solution]

Since you your return was accepted and you have until 3/21 to ship the item back, contact customer service on 3/20 and let them know the seller hasn’t paid for return shipping yet. They will probably extend the request by a few more days to give the seller a little more time to pay for return shipping and if he doesn’t, they will refund you without requiring a return. 

[rossm36]

I'm glad to see this answer because even after following the directions, I see no option to "Ask Ebay to Step In." Does this option not appear on the screen until after three days?

[sam9876]

"Does this option not appear on the screen until after three days?"

Correct.

[lintbrush*]

I'd create a "paper" trail.  In the message section of the return, write to the seller.

You haven't provided me with a return label or the funds to purchase one myself.  According to eBay's Money Back Guarantee this is your responsibility for a damaged item if you want it returned before you issue a refund.  Please do so as soon as possible so I may get this shipped back.  I have been waiting for a few days already for you to act.   

Are you sure you can't send it USPS Priority International?  Go to USPS.com and select Calculate a Price - then pick the country, weight, value - and Large Package.  You will then be able to put the box dimensions in and it should spit out a price if it's eligible.  I did it with a 5 pound 60x6x6 box to the UK and I got a $70 price.

Opening a dispute on the 2nd item in the package will not get eBay's attention any more or less.  Unless that 2nd item was damaged or not as described you would be wrong to do so.

[sam9876]

"Are you sure you can't send it USPS Priority International? "

Yes.

OP is in Saudi Arabia.

[lintbrush*]

Oh - missed that.  Went too fast and looked at the wrong profile.