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@woodlandwoodpecker wrote:

Feels like they wanted the item but cheaper as when originally listed they asked if I would reduce the price!

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That was the buyer's first warning shot. When it comes to noticing a scratched finish on an unopened item in an intact retail blister pack, a ~£25.00 kitchen timer as a "present for the wife", being happy to accept a partial refund instead of returning the item etc. I don't believe a word of it. At best your buyer is a just a chancer at worst they could be a trader masquerading as a private buyer.

I did wonder why anyone would bother kicking up such a fuss over a £25.00 kitchen timer but a quick search reveals the (fairly rare) timer you have typically sells for around $70.00 - $80.00 (£50.00 - £60.00) in the US if it is in the original blister pack and I note you didn't offer international shipping on the original listing. 

If the buyer continues to be a pain without opening a return case you can add their eBay user ID to your blocked buyer list here then make sure you have the "Don't allow blocked buyers to contact me" option selected in your buyer requirements here - the buyer will then only be able to contact you if they actually open a case. Even then they could open a case and return a different item or an empty box etc. but there is a way to deal with that situation should it arise that should ensure you're not left out of pocket.