Item delivered to a safe place - buyer says they can't find it

[18arb]

I sent an item to a buyer via Yodel.  Tracking shows as delivered and the Yodel courier left it in a "safe place" which was among some plants in the garden.  I found a photo taken by the courier and sent it to the buyer but they say it isn't their garden and they can't find it.  They are asking me for a refund.  If I just send them a refund I am out of pocket.  I purchased the Yodel label through eBay. 

What should I do?  If they buyer raises a "Not delivered" case, I think eBay will cancel it as the tracking shows delivered.  Should I take it up with Yodel directly, or is there a way I can get eBay to investigate?  Searching eBay's Help hasn't been much help!

[**peaseblossom**]

ebay will normally go by the tracking.   They won't offer any additional help.   The buyer should ask their neighbours in case one of them has it.

[red_magpie]

is there a way I can get eBay to investigate?

eBay doesn't investigate deliveries. If it's tracked as delivered as far as eBy is concerned, it's been delivered.

In any case, if you used eBay's new simple delivery any "item not received" case the buyer opens will be eBay's responsibility, not yours. 

If the buyer paid by credit or debit card they may have more chance of a refund through their card issuer. Especially if this was bought from a business seller. Chucking it in a flower bed is not "delivery to a safe place", especially if it's within sight of the road.