Accidental refund - item delivered but unpaid and ebay cannot resolve

[jagol_5497]

I had very good communication with a buyer on messaging.  I only had one item and the buyer had paid £80 for two items at £40 each.  I refunded the whole amount by accident, sent the one item at £40.  I contacted ebay who said they couldn't do anything and would look into the matter.  I never heard anything back and haven't for over a month.  The buyer is not engaging in conversation.  So, they have an item and haven't paid.  Ebay said they can't do anything as I had refunded.

Any suggestions?  The buyer is not engaging.

[**peaseblossom**]

I'm afraid there is nothing you can do via ebay.   You might try money claim online (previously small claims court):
https://www.moneyclaim.gov.uk/web/mcol/welcome

Not sure if that would be appropriate as you voluntarily refunded but you could tell the buyer that's what you intend doing.   It might prompt them to do the right thing.

[red_magpie]

item delivered but unpaid

But it was paid! It has nothing to do with eBay if you accidentally refunded the payment.

Sadly, we know from many similar cases that all too many buyers will take advantage of any mistake to keep something for nothing.

It's up to you what you do, but I doubt you will ever get your money back. If thinking about the small claims court, take legal advice first. The courts are for breach of contract, but it doesn't appear that there was any binding agreement or contract between you with regard to this repayment. A breach of trust is another matter altogether, so if it was just a mistake with no obligation on the buyer to return it you may just have ro rely on their honesty. Or not. Good luck anyway!