Return before or after refund?

[PrimaBallerina]

I won a bag described as leather and when it arrived it was PU. I emailed the seller asking for a full refund plus postage both ways. They agreed and said it was a genuine error. However they want me to send it back and refund once it's arrived. I think I should be refunded first, the same as if I was selling something. We can't agree. Does anyone know what the correct procedure is?

We both have a similar 100% feedback score if it helps. I'm tempted to send it on trust but I'll be £25 down if they don't refund me.

You need to return it by a trackable method before the seller has to refund you I'm afraid - they should refund as soon as they have it back and as it will be trackable you should be able to see exactly when they have it and chase them if necessary.

So will recorded delivery suffice?

I'm not trying to be difficult with them but I'm understandably nervous about being left with nothing.

it will only be enough if the postie bothers to get a signature - many don't bother.

also you would never get a refund first and then send the item back later - same as if you are returning to a shop isn't it.

Yes I suppose it is. I've sent it back, fingers crossed.