returns when money not cleared

[da-watte]

Hi, I've been on Ebay over 6 months, buying no problem, but recently listed some items for sale for the 1st time.

Buyer bought some cycling goods and I sent them last week, they were correctly described but buyer did not check they were compatible with his existing set up and now wants a refund because they don't work with his kit. I gave no misleading info, the buyer simply has not done their research and they asked me no questions about compatibility before or after the sale. I specified no returns so this should have prompted them to double check, but they did'nt.

I think I am perfectly within my rights to deny the return,  but as I'm a decent chap and want it resolved, I aslo assume that as new seller any compaints count against me so it seems stacked against the seller. I am begudingly happy to offer a refund. However as I am a new user Ebay says it will withhold money for up to 21 days before paying me. How can I refund money I have not yet got access to? Am I supposed to wait until this is cleared before offering a refund? Is the buyer going to be happy to wait this long for a refund.? I doubt it and I have no other funds in that account so can't afford a refund from my own money. What should I do?

Also as I have done nothing wrong and am offering out of the goodness of my heart to refund the goods, I don't see why I should incur the postage costs for what is basically their error. Can I specify that they pay to return the goods? And can I specify for it to be sent recorded delivery and that I want the goods received before I offer the refund?

My first impressions of seeling on ebay are not good so I've just cancelled all my other listings as its more hassle than its worth, but just want this issue resolved before I can close the account.

thanks