Getting repaid for a refunded item

[irisliuk123]

I sold at item to an overseas buyer in the middle of December. It seems it got delayed en route and the buyer raised an item not received claim which I had no option but to refund. It was delivered on the 22nd January and so I contacted the buyer to arrange repayment. They say they are currently away and expect to return around the end of February. They do not appear willing to repay now as they have not seen the item. Where do I stand with this, I have not got the item or money and cannot claim against the postage service. Do I have any option but to just wait for over a month and just hope?

[**peaseblossom**]

I'm afraid there is nothing you can via ebay.   You are relying on the buyer being honest and paying again.   They can't do that through ebay either.   It would have to be using Paypal or similar.

[irisliuk123]

In similar situations before I have been able to relist the item and the buyer has purchased again. It is ridiculous that ebay provide unrealistic delivery times especially for things going overseas around Christmas which allows the buyer to open an item not received case. Sellers are given little option but to refund even though they know delivery is still in progress. Having the threat of not refunding the fees in ebay have to step in a an added problem which essentially forces the refund.