I have 3 defects on my account despite over 1000 feedback

[ladypenelopea]

I have just been re-rated as below standard for an item that I accpted a return on that was supposedly damage but was not due to Covid the return post took about 2 weeks and so the buyer applied to ebay to have the refund and I got a defect. I appealed the defect and was told defect would be removed in 24-48 hours. Went back on chat to ask when this would be removed and was then told it could not be removed !! Do ebay have no consideration for Covid and Royal Mail. I feel like I have been kicked for being a good seller. How long can I sit on below standard before they restrict my selling 

[red_magpie]

Defects on your account are not related to feedback. They are placed for specific occurrences, for example out of stock cancellations or withdrawing from a sale, or for failing to resolve a money back case opened against you.

Most questions about seller performance standards and defects will be answered here:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/help/selling/selling/seller-levels-performance-standards?id=4080&st=12&pos=4&...

[ladypenelopea]

Thank you I do understand why this has happened but there is no ability to be able to questions fairness of decision ? Also I had no hesitation in providing a refund otherwise i would not have accepted the return?

[john1297576]

red_magpie hasexplained why you get defects.  Ebay expect no more than 2 defects per 100 sales, 2%. Once over that they class a seller as below standard. 

I do not know whether when the rate falls back below 2% you are automatically restored or perhaps at the next monthly review.