Return label has no tracking, how can I progress my return as it never gets marked as 'delivered'.

[heatemyfather]

I bought a couple of USB flash drives which turned out to be fake goods, I contacted the seller but they didn't respond so I opened a return request, the seller then provided a return label (which didn't have tracking) which I used, I kept proof of posting but that's all I have.  The returns process demanded a tracking number otherwise it would automatically close the case so I entered a dummy tracking number which it accepted.  Now the automated returns system is waiting for tracking updates which it's never going to get, and there's no obvious way for me to escalate this further.  I already provided proof of posting to the seller but they've yet to provide a refund.  What can I do to get a refund out of the guy?  He has his fake goods back for sure by now.

[heatemyfather]

Although I have chosen tobiasd4's answer as the solution, in the end it was only talking to a human eBay agent that solved the case to a satisfactory conclusion.

[tobiasd4 · Accepted solution]

If it was ebay generated label, tracking updates when you take to PO.

If seller provided label, it does not have to tracked, escalate to ebay.

This is from MBG.

If a seller chooses to offer the buyer an untracked return label and eBay is asked to step in and help, the buyer will not be required to provide proof of delivery or signature confirmation. Learn more about.

[heatemyfather · Accepted solution]

I cannot find any way to escalate to eBay, how do I do this?

[tobiasd4 · Accepted solution]

Case has to be opened for 3 working days (not weekend) before option for ebay to step in, click more actions.

[heatemyfather · Accepted solution]

The case has been open for almost a month now, on my Activity / Purchases page down in the Returns section it says 'You contacted Customer Service. Awaiting response. See case details' but there are no details.

[heatemyfather · Accepted solution]

This return is currently going nowhere. Is there any way to contact eBay and have them look into it? The Returns thing already says I'm awaiting a response but nothing has happened since (it's been at least a week).

[tobiasd4 · Accepted solution]

Go to bottom of link & contact ebay. https://www.ebay.co.uk/help/buying/search-tips/advanced-search?id=4049&query=1455&st=GENERAL_SEARCH

[heatemyfather · Accepted solution]

After the automated system timed out and the online chat apparently had no effect, I eventually used the 'Call me' option to appeal the decision (which had gone to the seller's favour because the automated system couldn't track the untracked return label), the human agent immediately found in my favour and reversed the decision, I now have my refund. Moral of the story: don't give up, even if it means waiting out the very limited automated system, speak to a human being to get a common sense decision.

[tobiasd4 · Accepted solution]

Good to hear.