Can anyone advise on ebay query please?

[dancerdog]

I sold a boxed set of books last week on ebay for about £35. I thought it was well packaged, but the buyer has sent photos of damage caused to the box by Royal Mail.

I understand that I should ask buyer to open a return for reason 'item not as described' and refund him when received. I bear the return postage cost.

I intend to claim compensation from Royal Mail but I believe the max is £20.

Buyer has also said I may not get anything from Royal Mail as if I receive the item back then I do not also have an opportunity to get the full refund from Royal Mail.

Is this correct? Or is the buyer subtly trying to say I should tell him to keep the item and cut my losses as I might not get any compensation and be further out of pocket re postage? Does the Royal Mail care if I get it back or not?

I don't think he is trying to scam me, but I don't know. I've been on ebay for years, with very little trouble and never a damaged item return before.

Any thoughts helpful.

I'm not sure about the Royal Mail side of things, but I think If it were me, I'd be inclined to offer the buyer a partial refund, as befitting the amount of damage there is, and they get to keep the books. Might they accept this? They might prefer this to sending it all back for a full refund. You could then claim the smaller amount in compensation from Royal Mail?