Return request instead of not as described case?

[GreenFirefly]

Can someone tell me what the difference is between a requested return and and opening a not as described case?
I've had a requested return for items which the buyer clearly feels are not as described, but as a private seller I don't want to accept returns, especially as the return cost would be more than they sold for! I've sent a message to her from the request details disputing her claim. Can I be sure that ebay won't automatically take the return postage without me authorising it?

(Sorry, had previously posted on another thread instead of starting a new one)

You have two types of returns

1 - non fault returns. These are simply due to a change of mind. As a private seller you have the right to refuse these. This is where the term "no returns" comes from.

2 - returns because an item is "not as described", i.e. Has been incorrectly described, or is faulty.
You have no choice but to accept these, "no returns" does not apply in these situations, and as a seller you are liable to cover the cost of the return if you want the item back before refunding. eBay will provide the buyer with a pre paid label and charge you £2.99, which is added to your eBay fees. eBay don't need your authorisation.

It's best not to fight the latter as you are likely to end up with negative feedback and "defects" on your account which can have consequences on your selling permissions.

Op this is why I no longer sell on eBay. There are buyers who deliberately buy cheap items, complain, get a refund from the seller (who tells them to keep the item) who doesn't want to damage their rating, and get low price items for free.

It used to be that the buyer had to pay for return postage (looking at lotties reply maybe it has changed). I had a buyer claim not as described. I went over eBay policy and offered a full refund plus a refund of return postage when I received the item back. It became clear she just wanted a refund and to keep the item! She wanted me to pay her to drive to the post office to return a cheap item, she said failure to pay her compensation would mean she gave me a negative - she forgot I could google her address and see she was 300 yards from a post office! I told her I had changed my mind and I was sticking to eBay policy - to return at own expense, she eventually disappeared.

We (or the seller) will send your refund to the PayPal account you used to purchase the item. Learn more about the refund process.

If you haven't received an item or returned an item that wasn't as described, you will be refunded the purchase price and original postage.

This extract is from eBay - It doesn't mention a 2.99 fee. It seems the buyer pays for a return still.

43 if it's a not as described return then the seller has to pay for the return. This has been the case for almost 2 years now.