Seller question re Refunds

[fionaperkin2012]

Hello, 

I've issued a refund to a buyer around 25/10/24. They said item did not match description which I disputed with them- they just hadn't checked out the specifics of the item provided as it didn't suit their needs-  I authorised the refund anyway rather than getting eBay involved. 
I haven't had to do this process before, so I soon realised the refund was issued immediately and I'd have to trust that the buyer will return the item. 
I've had really poor communication with the buyer since the request was made to refund. After asking them for a date and confirmation of when they post the return, they gave a date for about a week in advance as they were abroad. That day has been an gone and I contacted them but still not posted. 
How long do eBay give for them to return? 
the buyer has said it's thirty days but I can't see it anywhere for myself.
They've got narky with me for chasing it up as I'd like to re-advertise the item asap, I guess I was just hoping for a bit more courtesy as I would be posting it back ASAP. 
thanks! 

[jckl1957]

It is not good news, I am afraid.

Now you have refunded, there is no incentive for the buyer to return the item and Ebay will not try to make them send it back.

This is entirely between you and the buyer.  You have to provide a means for them to return the item and even this can be tricky as it requires some negotiation and trust.

If you had followed the correct procedure you would have accepted the return, provided a label through Ebay and then refunded on return of the item.

[tobiasd4]

Correct way is buyer opens ebay case, you issue returns label and only refund when returned. 

If you refund first, ebay assume you don't want item back, so close case and label not available. 

This now between you and seller to sort.