Help with returning an item please

[Blackoutblinds]

Bought a high value item - a laptop.

It arrived poorly packaged, in a padded envelope only, which was ripped.

Turned it on and it hadn’t been wiped.

It turned out as well that it wasn’t as described - wasn’t the model number it had been claimed to be.

I paid via PayPal.

Asked it send it back.

Buyer said no returns.

Went via eBay. And talked to eBay chat and opened a return via them.

Buyer accepted return on the last day for doing so.

I set it back well packaged.

Loads of photos.

They’ve got it but have until today to give me my money back.

Will I definitely get my money back? I’ve never had to return something before.

Can I leave negative feedback once I get my money back?

[BiscuitsAndGravy]

Did you send the item via tracked delivery? If so, provide that tracking info to eBay so they can ensure you get a refund.

[Blackoutblinds]

Yes. Sent it tracked. Provided the tracking and it’s been delivered.

[Dinnaehinksae]

If they don't return the money eBay can and will step in, it's just a matter of time. Once he time has lapsed for them to do it escalate the case to eBay. I think it's 48 hours for them to make a decision. Once a refund has been issued you cannot leave feedback though. Also just be prepared, I once had something similar where the seller wasn't cooperative in the slightest and it took about two months for me to actually get my money back and a lot of dealing with eBay. That is worst case obviously and hopefully won't be the same for you.

[Blackoutblinds]

To add.

It also arrived with a crack at a corner but the envelope was ripped to shreds and parcelforce had held it because it was so badly damaged. I have photos of that too on the original delivery tracking. And photos of the damage. And photos of how well packaged it was when I sent it back.

And photos of the chat with Apple where they said it wasn’t as described. And photos of the serial number when I put it into the website which shows what the model number was. And it wasn’t what they said.

Thanks for the advice folks. I’m just worried I won’t get my money back.

[BiscuitsAndGravy]

I am fairly certain you'll get your money back. I know it can be very stressful but you have a very solid case. Just don't wait around and as soon as possible, escalate with eBay so they can take a action.

[Blackoutblinds]

Thanks I will do.

[19lottie82]

As above, don’t stress. Just ask ebay to help if they haven’t refunded by end of today. You will get your money back.

Then you can leave negative feedback, but keep it factual and non emotional so eBay have no reason to remove it.

[Blackoutblinds]

Would it be ok to say

Item not as described and poorly packaged

[Blackoutblinds]

Buyer has refused return and opened a case with eBay saying I sent it back damaged.

I’ve provided photos of the packaging it came in, the parcelforce delivery tracking showing it was damaged and they held it, and photos of how well packaged it was when I sent it back.

So I have to wait now for eBay to decide.

[Blackoutblinds]

Well. That didn’t take long. eBay have decided in my favour. I’ll have my refund by Friday.

[RedWineAllMine]

Great! I'm glad all went well, after reading the thread I knew it would. Seller was pulling a fast one, and had the intentions of you returning it all along, to then claim damaged for free cash.
What a shit house principal and terrible seller. Just to let you know we aren't all like that. But it's dicks like that who give Ebay sellers a bad name.

[Blackoutblinds]

I was so worried.

Interestingly all their feedback is as a buyer, not a seller.

I’ve been on eBay since 2013 and I’ve never had to do this before, so I was really worried.