Return policy sellers

[doritowave31]

Hello was looking for some advice on this matter. 
I recently sold a mobile phone on eBay the buyer had the phone for a week then messaged to say there was an issue with the phone. The alarm clock would not work on aeroplane mode. I Message with quite a detailed message stating that it sounds like it was automatic time zone not correctly on the setting he said he would try and change this. If not he would  have to send the phone back. One week later refund request comes in i tell eBay the whole story I get advised to accept the return and then I can file my case. The photos he provided the phone had a screen protector not fitted correctly a screensaver that was potentially used by a child on the phone. He then takes two weeks two send the phone back I received the phone with dart dust all over the back and the front of the screen. I take photos. I tried to report a problem with return request had no option but to refund the buyer I’ve been on phone to eBay was given a link to provide photos within a couple hours. The case was closed in the buyer’s favour. This is the short story but how is that allowed? A buyer can buy something keep it for a week make up an excuse request a refund then have 30 days to post it back and then eBay just gives a refund automatically so I now have a mobile phone there’s been used for just under a month and I’m down the value that it was sold for. I don’t know if I’m in the wrong here but I find that a bit Unfair. I’ve done everything by the book got eBay guidance and this happened.

sorry for the long post. I’ve been dealing with this for the past month if anyone has a had any similar experiences please let me know thank you.

[jckl1957]

This is how Ebay's return policy works and it does favour the buyer.

There is no advice to give - the buyer found a feature of the phone did not work so they opened a case.

You really have no choice but to accept the return and Ebay give buyers a fairly lengthy time to return items.

The buyer has not done anything wrong here but many sellers find Ebay's policy unfair.