DVD received in bad condition, return started. How can I get seller to pay return postage?

[bobbysteed]

I started a return with the reason "Doesn't work or is defective". It is also not as described - the DVD and case are worn and dirty, and the DVD is defective due to its damage. The item was listed as "very good condition". The seller denied this, claimed that the item is advertised which it clearly isn't, and asked me to return the DVD so they can "test" it. How can I get a postage label to print so I don't have to pay the return postage?

[arkwebus]

The seller does not need you to send it back so he can "test" it!  You have done the right thing by opening the case though - it seems - the wrong case.

You will have to pay the tracked postage [which may be in the region of £2.50] so you have to decide whether it's worth it!   If you go ahead then input the tracking into the case and the seller has six days to refund. Ignore any messages.

You will not get your postage back.

@bobbysteed

[bobbysteed]

Thanks for the reply. Oddly, an option to print a postage label appeared yesterday, so I did that and returned the package with the pre-paid label. Now when I go to enter the tracking number from the Post Office proof of posting, it says "The tracking number you have provided already exists in our system. Please use a valid tracking number for this return." What do I do now?

EDIT: I read on another post that the number automatically enters eBay's system when the barcode is scanned at the Post Office.

[tressygirl]

If you open a case for item not as described,  the case  will enforce the seller to pay for that fully tracked return postage.  If they do not,  and they do not refund you in the 8 days required,  then the option to escalate will appear on day 9.  Escalate, and eBay step in and refund you.  If there is no previous pre paid label,  or payment  for the return,  you then do not have to return the item.

[bobbysteed]

Thanks for replying, but as I said, I started a return with the reason "Doesn't work or is defective". The case doesn't appear in Resolution Centre under 'Your requests and cases' (there are none listed there). I think I went about this the wrong way. Should I cancel the return and open a case in Resolution Centre?

[tressygirl]

Yes it seems you opened the wrong case, the only difference here is that you on a returns case need to pay for that fully tracked return postage. Do not close this case, you cannot open another with eBay. You would have to with Paypal, and there too you need to pay for the return postage, so you might as well stick to this one, follow instructions carefully for your refund.

[bobbysteed]

Cheers. Is there no way the return request could be converted to a dispute? Surely someone at eBay must be able to do that?
There is nothing to stop the seller claiming that the item is as described once they receive it, and I suspect they will.