Had to refund a buyer, can I get Ebay to refund my fees

[GrumpyOldBag]

Sold a designer item recently for £30. Buyer obviously didn't like it & claimed it was not in the condition it was described. I always go to a lot of trouble to describe things thoroughly & accurately but there were microscopic marks not included in the description which would not have put off someone who liked the item. Anyway, I gave a full refund including the return postage (she sent item back recorded) so I am £8 down on the deal.

Can I get eBay to refund the selling fees & how do I do that? Do I just cancel the transaction? I think I will wait & relist the item nearer the summer as it is a seasonal item.

[19lottie82]

Did you get her to open a not as described return request with eBay before you refunded? If you did that then your fees would have been automatically refunded back to you.

[19lottie82]

If not then yes you have to go in and manually cancel the transaction.

[GrumpyOldBag]

No, I didn't know you had to do that. Will manually cancel. Thanks for the advice.

[19lottie82]

Always get them to do it by the book. It keeps everything official / recorded so your back is covered in case of any problems, means you get your fees back and gives you the chance to purchase a £2.99 tracked returns label so saves you money and hassle.

[GrumpyOldBag]

Thanks Lottie, i'll remember that for next time.

[dbrackin]

If you put the return through the ebay managed return process, it also allows them to track which buyers have unusually high return rates. In the meantime your best option is a manual cancellation with the buyer.