Buyer rejects item, I return full cost, he hasn't returned item nor responded to me.

[snapper_irwin]

7th of June I sold watch, 13th June buyer rejected it (not as described) .  I immediately complied with ebay's 'return process' and returned full money (13th of June).

Buyer has printed return lable (I think)- but there is no sign of it ever being posted.

Buyer will not respond to me re 'has he posted the watch back- nor did he to any of my 8 previous messages.

13th of June eBay notified me : 'Return Closed'.... 

26th June: Buyer has watch and original money and I have nothing......

Please what can I do?

[**peaseblossom** · Accepted solution]

I don't think eBay make it clear enough that sellers should not refund before the item has been returned.  In fact according to the sellers that this has happened to they are prompted to refund right away.   But when a refund is issued upfront eBay assume you don't want the item back and close the return case.

You are now relying on the buyer being honest and returning the item.   You can complain to eBay via their live chat.  You can request a callback on here:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/help/eua?id=5275&mkevt=1&mkpid

And if the value makes it worthwhile you could use money claim online:
https://www.moneyclaim.gov.uk/web/mcol/welcome

Tell the buyer you intend doing that and see if that makes them do the right thing.

[jckl1957]

As soon as you refunded the buyer, the label you supplied would no longer be available.

Communicate with the buyer again.

Be pleasant and polite and admit you made an error by refunding before they had returned the item.

Offer the buyer a way of returning the watch - you can pay for postage or send them a padded envelope with your address on and sufficient stamps to cover the postage.

As advised, Ebay do not expect you to refund before you get the item back and Ebay can't physically compel the buyer to return the item.

It's between you and the buyer.

[snapper_irwin]

How to communicate with a buyer who simply refuses to reply to my messages - eight so far?.

[jckl1957]

What have you said in your messages?

Have you offered to sort out return postage, admitted you made an error etc?

Remember, they no longer have a label or address to send the item back.

Personally, I would try one more message.

If they don't respond, then send them a letter using a Signed For service to say you will be taking further action.  If you are going to take this further, the evidence that you have offered the buyer a way to return the item may help your case.

[snapper_irwin]

There is a tracking number, which suggests that a return label has been printed.... Doesn't it?

[red_magpie]

Please what can I do?

Through eBay, probably nothing. Once a buyer has been refunded, that's the end of it.

It happens all the time. Sellers sometimes trust a buyer to return an item after they've sent a refund, or accidentally refund through a case before receiving the item back. Or have to refund for non-delivery, but the buyer keeps the item as well when it arrives.

eBay does nothing to support the seller, or even seem to care. The user agreement doesn't even enable sellers to claim the return of a refund already given. eBay has told some sellers that it's up to them to sue the buyer. eBay has become a risky place to sell things.

[jckl1957]

No.

The tracking number suggests a label was made available to the buyer through the case.

As soon as you refunded, the label would no longer be available for the buyer to access or print.

Have you been charged for the label?  You will only be charged if and when the buyer uses it - which they can't do because you have refunded them.

My advice is always based on what I would do.

You asked what you could do.

I suggested one more message offering a way for the buyer to return the item at your expense, then, a letter sent to the buyer's address saying firmly but politely that you will be taking further action.