Thank you. I was aware of the complex refund process - but it should not
be required. I usually use Seller Pays, but then use the opportunity to
determine the buyers actual needs, and combine lots as required, or I
also deliver locally for free. I then issue postal refunds immediately -
it is a clear and transparent process that is very understandable to the
buyer. Using SD I have to apply for the refund, and when (if) I get it
after 14 days I can issue the postage refund; that is not reasonable for
either buyer or seller.

A buyers needs can only be determined once they have completed all
purchases, and there has been an opportunity to discuss their shipping
requirements, and to advise them of other items that may of interest.
Offering a postage discount at that point is a powerful selling tool,
but that cannot be done anymore as the SD postage element cannot be
removed from the offer price.

I have yet to see a single refund using the claim form - there must be
an enormous backlog

All of this complexity is wholly due to to EBAY's simplistic assumption
that each and every item sold must be shipped individually using a
minimal array of postal services.