Am I doing this right? Return for not as described.

Huskydays

This is all UK eBay, the items are car speakers. I'm trying to cut through the unnecessary info so here's a lowdown of what's happened so far:

• Part of an item I ordered was not as described.
• I opened a returns case and asked if it was possible to send back the wrong part for a partial refund/replacement.
• Seller agreed to issue replacement if I sent the wrong part back.
• I sent the part back using the prepaid label.
• Seller messaged outside of the resolution centre (but on eBay) asking me to close the returns case and pay an extra fee to cover extra costs of replacement (The correct part needs an additional adapter).
• I said I would not close the case as it wasn't resolved, was disappointed they didn't mention extra costs before I sent the part back and I asked how much extra?
• Seller replies saying I now have to send all items back for a full refund.
• I reply saying I would be happy to if they pay postage but couldn't they just do a partial refund on the part I sent back?
• They reply saying I (apparently) "have opened a case for a full refund and only sent part of it back ebay wont allow a partial refund!" So they will ask ebay to step in

Are they having me on? Should I not have sent only part of it back even though this is what they requested? eBay can step in tomorrow so I will call them then. But in theory, couldn't they just do a partial refund via paypal?

Opinions from seasoned eBay veterans are much appreciated on this one.

EDIT: eBay have now messaged to say the seller has asked them to step in and will make a decision within 48 hours.

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head

It's a bit messy.

The seller can offer a part refund through the returns flow but that's without the goods being returned, once the return is accepted it's set up to issue a full refund.

Seller is at fault for making the offer in the first place.

eBay may decide to refund out of their pocket or may refund in from the seller, who may appeal.

If you do get a full refund from the seller the goods you have belong to the seller and you can advise them they are available for collection at a reasonable time.

If you get a refund from eBay's funds you can most likely keep the goods.

If the seller appeals and/or you don't get a refund post back with the details of why for further advice.

Huskydays

Thanks for your reply, I had a suspicion that there was a muddle with the return/full refund business. Seller has been less than helpful when I asked so it's good to get an outside opinion (you know when you start to doubt yourself!).

Thankfully, eBay were super fast and arranged a partial refund to cover the cost of the returned speakers so it all turned out well in the end :beer: