Returning faulty item, seller dragging it out...

[RaPaPaPumPumBootyMum]

Hi,
I bought a telephone via a business on ebay. It was listed as new but sample stock, full working order. However when I received it it did not work at all.
So I requested a return and sent it back on the 2nd June.
On the 11th I hadn't heard anything from the seller so emailed to check they'd received the phone and to find out what happens next.
On the 12th seller responds saying they had to check the returned item [I guess to see if it was faulty or not?] and would get back to me by the end of the day.
It is now the 16th June and I haven't had a reply from seller. So I've just sent off a slightly arsey message asking what was happening and that I wanted a refund of cost of item and also return postage as the phone didn't work. I have also said i want a satisfactory response from them within the next week or I will escalate with Paypal.

Just wanted to check if the seasoned MN ebayers agree with me or whether they have any further advice or thoughts?
Would you escalate with Paypal as I have threatened to? I have done this before on Fergoose's advice with a previous issue with another seller and it was quite painless and easily resolved once Paypal got involved.
I love ebay generally except it's not been fab ime when you have an issue with an item bought and the seller refuses to help or drags their heels. Then it's a bit of a pain!

you have signed proof of delivery showing the seller received the item have you? If so open a case not as described with eBay.

No...
It was a business seller and their return policy said to send 2nd class post and to get proof of postage from post office... I notified seller I was returning item and I followed instructions that they gave.

So this is all I have, a proof of postage

However they did reply via ebay messaging saying they had to check returned item... so I took this to mean that they had the item and had to check my claim that it was faulty...
However I guess it could also be taken to mean they had to check the item was actually returned???

well some would advise you could open a not received dispute as you haven't received what you paid for - i dunno. Either that or claim from royal mail for lost item - and leave v damning feedback. I bet seller has received it but is dragging their heels knowing they didn't sign for the return. This is why you should always return with a signature.

Thanks fergoose.

I have just requested assistance in the ebay resolution centre. So I'll wait and see what they advise from here.

But I have learnt an important lesson - always send item back recorded mail, no matter if the seller only asks for regular 2nd class post with proof of delivery!

what did you do in the resolution centre - open not as described case?

No, I think I tried to do this but it wouldn't let me as I had already opened a returns case [which was still open].

So I think what I did was requested ebay to look at the case and intercede on my behalf, as communication had broken down between myself and the seller... Or something like that?

Anyway, ebay sent an automated reply saying they had received my message and would look into it and get back to me within about 3 days.

So I hope they can nudge things along a little. Fingers crossed!

Can OP get her money back using Paypal chargeback? How would she do that?

no you can't do a paypal chargeback as you have an eBay case open

So you have escalated the case to eBay - did they ask for a tracking number? Hopefully they will give a no fault refund for you then, and then appropriate feedback and stars can be left :)

Has the seller relisted the item, or I guess it is something they sell many of so you wouldn't be able to tell?