Item received not as described, tried to return, expected me to cover both delivery & return

[word-soup]

I bought a mattress topper with cover in a very specific size as offered by the seller. Once it arrived and was opened I found it to be a bigger size than ordered. Being roughly 2 inches wider, and 2 inches longer than expected. As  it was for a VERY specific use it's no good for me.

I have exchanged emails with the seller, who kept saying return it via Royal Mail. The policy outlined on the listing said Royal Mail dropoff £5.96. How is this right? If I even could take this bulky item to the local Post Office they won't take it I'm sure. That's one thing, the other thing is why should I be out of pocket covering both delivery and return costs when the seller sent the wrong item.

I asked the seller to send a courier at their cost to collect this, as it was the seller's fault that it's not what I ordered, and not what was advertised. No reasonable response, he just repeated send it back. 

I had opened a return item - and I accidentally closed this late last night, thinking I could open a case regarding this. Now I find I cannot do that. 

What can I do?

[tressygirl]

I'm afraid once closed another case for the same item cannot be opened with eBay.

You can try your payment provider now for help with this refund.

@word-soup 

[word-soup]

I read that fuming with myself for the mistake. It's not right.

[red_magpie]

It would heve helped to tell us when and how you paid, as your options depend upon this.

If you paid by PayPal within the last 30 days you may be able to use their buyer protection policy. As the return you opened through eBay is now closed I think you can still do this. However, PayPal will require you to return the item at your own expemse (eBay would have required the seller to pay.)

Failing that, if you paid by credit or debit card your card issuer may be able to help. 

Other than the above, if this was a UK business seller your statutory consumer rights should apply. However, trying to enforce them against distant, uncoopertative eBy sellers may be difficult or pointless. Best to consult a solicitor or citizen's advice. Buying from unknown sellers on eBy is not like buying from the shops!

Unfortunately, having closed the case yourself may mean that your seller can have your negative feedback removed.