Seller doesn't want me to return with ebay return label

[joadc73]

I've bought a lot of things on ebay and this is only my second return i've had to do. The item was defective and skipped the entire time i tried to watch it. Both times i've tried to return now the seller doesn't want to use the return label ebay provides. I would just rather use it because it reassures me that the seller will have to refund me when they get my item.  here is me and the sellers conversation

Me: Got the blu-ray all packaged up and i just wanted to check because it says in the return info that i am suppose to wait for a return label. Am I suppose to get that from you? thanks!

Seller: I just checked and the label eBay is suggesting cost about $5 ...if you send it with media mail it will only cost $2.80 ..I will refund that to you thru PayPal along with the blu ray refund and send it as money to a friend so there’s no fees taken out.

Is it a good idea to do what the seller is asking? i'm not saying he will screw me over but i think it would just be easier to use the ebay return label for both of us. 

[netwizz760]

If the item does not work or is not as described select the option to open a case.

Select Defective, Not as described, or a Buyer’s Remorse option... whatever is truthful and accurate to start the return.

If this is buyer’s remorse, you get charged for the label unless this is a free-returns, “seller pays return shipping...” the. No matter what the seller pays for the label.

Then the case gets opened officially with eBay at protecting you at this point.  eBay also sets a hold on the seller’s money to ensure it is available to pay you the refund.

At this point depending upon the seller’s settings you are automatically given a label OR it is sent to the seller to intervene.   At this point the seller is directed to create a label for you or to simply refund you to resolve the case.   Regardless, the seller does not have long to respond maybe 48 hours.   If it is a genuine mistake the seller made a seller may simply refund you to save the shipping expense, but most of the time a label is provided.

The seller is NOT charged more than the original shipping, so do not feel bad.  Just print the label and use it quick.  You do not want to wait two weeks...  You really should ship within about 48 hours of receiving the label eBay provides.

Please then package the item with equal care the seller uses such that it is as good or better packaged than you received it, and be certain to get an acceptance scan to protect you.

Now wait for the return to be delivered.   Upon delivery, please wait a couple of days for the Seller to process your refund.   If you can confirm it was delivered back to the seller but the seller has not refunded, eventually you can escalate to eBay and they WILL refund you if the seller does not.

I hope this helps.

[joadc73]

Update: after talking to the seller they did end up sending me the label. I don't think they were trying to scam me in anyway. i just don't think they fully believed that the item was defective when i got it so they were being leery about having to pay for the return shipping cost. Seller is being polite and cooperating now.  Thanks everyone for your help!!