Seller claims he can't partial refund because of open claim

[gorepe15]

Bought small appliance for spares, seller sent only one piece despite full price for complete item paid. Initially refused partial refund so case opened, now seller says "Unfortunately the ebay system will not allow me to make partial refunds - , due to the "item not received " procedure in progress. Please could you send me your bank details so i can make the payment"

I don't trust the guy and don't want to hand out bank details but is this true?

[**peaseblossom**]

He would have to issue a full refund through ebay so in that sense he's right but it's not safe for you to close the case until you have the refund.   It's actually not safe for him to refund another way.  He could end up making a full refund on ebay too.

[gorepe15]

Thanks but I want to keep the piece I have + partial refund, so a full refund doesn't work. Why does Ebay allow full refund under an open case but not a partial?

[**peaseblossom**]

You say you opened a "not received" case so would be due to full refund.   A partial refund might be possible with a "not as described" return, where the buyer gets a partial refund but keeps the item.   You could still close your "not received" case and open a return but some people have had problems issuing partial refunds anyway.

[gorepe15]

Thanks again.. for some reason the seller has been badgering for me to return the piece sent (which I want) for a full refund, so I'm wary about opening a return as he will probably do a refund and put the onus on me to return the bit I've paid for! I suspect he will readvertise at a higher price given the lack of alternatives on Ebay. As he is already contracted to sell to me I don't want to waive that position of strength. Seems like I'll have to accept a independent refund, maybe I'll try a PayPal transfer.

[tressygirl · Accepted solution]

You opened the wrong case initially,  though easily done,  because Not receiving part of an item doesn't mean opening a case for item not received ,  but a case for item not as described..... Item Does Not Match Description or Photos.

Being a Private seller with a case as above opened,  they can only fully refund,  and you'd be relying on the seller's honesty if they wish to offer a partial refund on you keeping the item.  Partial refunds cannot be enforced.

Also true if a case is opened a partial refund cannot be made,  but as above,  this would be outside eBay not enforceable,  and sellers may well tell you to close a case,  knowing another for item not as described cannot be opened.

You opened the wrong case,  you can close it and open one for item not as described,  but this will only ensure a Full refund on the return of the item,  at the seller's expense.

@gorepe15