Where is policy on how long buyers have to return item once seller has accepted return?

[allegedp]

I have a return that I accepted on 12/16.  According to Ebay, they are giving the buyer until 12/31 to return the item.  Seems like a long time to me.  Where is this policy located?

[pooh333piglet]

I actually thought it was longer but 2 weeks sounds appropriate. So according to info whatevers in Return Request is what it is. Here is basic info I found....

When your return request is accepted, you’ll receive a return shipping label from either the seller or eBay, or you’ll be asked to purchase one directly from a carrier. Who covers the shipping costs depends on why you're returning it. Find more information about return shipping.

You’ll also receive a date by which you should ship the item back. You can find this date in the details of your return request which will be sent to your Messages - opens in new window or tab with the subject "Send the item back". If you don't ship the return by that date, we may close the request and you will not receive a refund.

[onlinecentral]

https://pages.ebay.com/seller-center/seller-updates/2020-spring/service.html#returns-cases
Spring Update Changes to handling return requests that appear abandoned
Changes to handling return requests that appear abandoned
Starting April 1, 2020, we will no longer close returns early at the request of a seller when the buyer has not shipped the item back.
How much time are buyers given to ship returned items?
When buyers are sent an eBay-generated return label, the return is closed if the label is not printed within 10 business days. If the buyer prints the label, we allow the return to remain open an additional 5 business days to ensure shipping scans are captured. When buyers are not sent an eBay-generated return label, we wait up to 35 business days before closing the return.

[mtgraves7984]

By 12/31?? Wow... I thought it was Forever. Plus one day. But officially, it is  as @onlinecentral has outlined.

[kensgiftshop]

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@allegedp 

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Ebay has extended the time a buyer has to get a return shipped.

Nothing you can do but wait for the return or for Ebay to close the case.

[allegedp]

Thank you all, but none of these answers my question.  Onlinecentral states:

"How much time are buyers given to ship returned items?
When buyers are sent an eBay-generated return label, the return is closed if the label is not printed within 10 business days. If the buyer prints the label, we allow the return to remain open an additional 5 business days to ensure shipping scans are captured. When buyers are not sent an eBay-generated return label, we wait up to 35 business days before closing the return."

However, I would like to know where this policy can be located on ebay.com.  It is not provided in the reference given: 

https://pages.ebay.com/seller-center/seller-updates/2020-spring/service.html#returns-cases

I have read various replies from many sources.  Some say 5 days, some say 10, but none cite the policy

[onlinecentral]

Paste the link in message 6.
Click on 'Seller Protection FAQs'
Expand the question 'How much time are buyers given to ship returned items?'

[jack_bucks_ghost]

i would think with the shipping nightmare that has overwhelmed the system, you might want to look for any announcements from eBay that have allowed more time for returns (the shipping issues are affecting both directions: seller to buyer and buyer to seller)...since eBay has temporarily juggled things a bit to help sellers and allow more time for delivery, it would seem natural that they did the same for buyers sending returns. 

[mycheaperstuff]

@jack_bucks_ghost  I certainly hope that is not the case. It is reasonable to extend the time it takes for an item to arrive, but not to extend the time allowed to print the label or post the package.

Like the OP, I have an active return with a similar question:

 eBay approved the return 11/28, I provided the label through eBay, buyer was required to mail the return by 12/14. As of yet, no sign of printing or mailing.

In the update quoted by @onlinecentral , eBay states it will no longer close returns early in response to seller requests, but must or may sellers contact eBay to have the return closed when the deadline has passed?

Good responses all IMO

[onlinecentral]

Here is a discussion where eBay refunded the seller.
Return has not arrived after two weeks.
https://community.ebay.com/t5/Shipping-Returns/Return-has-not-arrived-after-two-weeks/m-p/31422978/

Here is a discussion where eBay refunded the seller, then reversed the decision.
This Seller Just Got Screwed Too.
https://community.ebay.com/t5/Selling/This-Seller-Just-Got-Screwed-Too/m-p/31442718/

I have had some cases with no scan close around day 19.
I have an open return with payment originally sent on November 1st.
On business day 12 or calendar day 17, the package got an acceptance scan.
That is outside of the 10 business day guidelines.
Today, on calendar day 31, eBay is 'stepping in' on my case.

[jack_bucks_ghost]

@mycheaperstuff 

oh, i totally agree that a buyer not attempting to return (not mailing the return, let alone not printing the label), no extended time is warranted. i just didn't read the op that way, i guess--i was talking about the entire process, with an emphasis on the "in transit" side of things. But a situation like you mentioned in your post is definitely a problem--actually, it's kind of odd for the buyer to just sit on it (almost the buyer is waiting you out to see if you just go ahead and grant the refund).