partial refund for false returns

[pal_version]

so I've had a return where the buyer has selected "wrong item sent" but then gone on the admit they selected the wrong item from a multi listing. and another return where the buyer has selected "Doesn't work or is defective" yet on testing the returned item it worked first time without issues.

in both cases i have chose eBay's partial refund policy and deducted the return postage of £3.25 for the items as both returns were disingenuous. i should have deducted the original postage from the refund too but didn't want to push my luck with the customers.

this is the first time I've ever used partial refunds. i was not aware that the refund would not go straight through and i have to wait for the buyer to accept the partial refunds.  

how long does this process take? I'm guessing if they fight it I'm due to get defects on my account even though i have provided proof what the returns are bogus.

[therenewalworkshopltd]

You cannot deduct the original postage cost as it is against the law to do so, unless the buyer paid extra for premium postage.  And you can deduct the extra paid only.
You are also on very thin ground by deducting the return postage cost.

Whilst I understand why you have done so, ebay won't view it in a very good light.

You cannot prove to Ebay that an item was not defective, no matter what testing you have done.

The problem here, is that Ebay have never seen the item, so it is literally your word against the customers.

Not sure of the exact timescale here, but I would imagine that the customer is allowed a few days and if no response, the funds are released.  
I have done deductions in the past, but the funds are never held, so not something that I can answer directly.

[pal_version]

seems you can hold the money for the fee of a return label but its probably a case by case basis. eBay refunded the buyer out of their pocket and let me stick to my original partial refund amount. they also confirmed it would not cause a defect against my account too. 

like most things eBay its all a bit backwards and doesn't fill this seller with much confidence in the system.