2 Buyers ignored Collection Only & paid via P/pal immediately & I refunded immediately via P/pal

[ermintrude41]

I had one item for sale clearly stating Collection Only, but a Buyer bought/paid & I refunded via P/pal & relisted the item. 

2nd Buyer did exactly the same & I refunded via P/pal the next day. 

The 3rd Buyer paid & Collected. 

Ebay has charged me a fee for 3 sales & on trying to sort it out, I've compounded the problem by inadvertently refunding the genuine Buyer & they don't know how to proceed. 

I now think I should have refunded via ebay?

This is the first time this has happend to me & I don't know how to get out of this muddle, so any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks

[*guinevere*]

I would expect to see a couple of negative feedbacks thrown in as well any time.

ETA: Did you know you have asked for payment by Paypal in your latest listing?

Payment by Paypal prior to Collection in Person by Buyer after cleared payment 

[ermintrude41]

Thank you 'guinevere' for sound advice.
I suppose Bank Transfer will be best for higher price items - will have to look into it?
I'd forgotten my Listing was still current - now removed - Thank You..
I still haven't had an answer as to solve the problem, especially that I've refunded the the true Buyer who collected!
It would have been cheaper to have accepted ebay taking 3 fees.

[ermintrude41]

Hi again guinevere,
I would add that the 1st 'buyer' was in Lancs & I did email to point out Collection Only prior to refunding his payment via P/pal.
With the 2nd 'buyer' I asked if they intended collecting from Kent, because they lived in Clacton & you never know how far people will collect.
The reply was 'Sorry hun, didn't see'.
I just wished my Listing had been read, but perhaps not an overly expensive lesson learned (learnt?).
Regards ermintrude41

[*guinevere*]

@ermintrude41 You should have completed a cancellation using 'Problem with buyer's address'. This would have refunded your ebay fees and no defect.

[ermintrude41]

Thank You,
Unfortunately it was getting late & I just thought to refund quickly by Paypal to get the item listed for the 3rd person.
After all these years & my first time this has happened, I rushed before engaging brain., I'm still learning. Regards, ermintrude41