Refund not received - returned item not via eBay?

[JadeSeahorse]

Hi, hope someone knows how I can proceed here.

I purchased a very small item via a business seller on eBay but when it arrived it was unsuitable. I contacted seller via eBay who were happy to refund if I returned.

Went through eBay to return but eBay wanted over half the cost of the item to do a return so I contacted seller again explaining this and they said to just return via second class post. However, I know how often things go astray so returned by Royal Mail signed for which was still way cheaper than eBay was charging.

I have tracked the item which was received and signed for over a week ago but no refund received as yet and seller now not replying to contact despite me sending over photos of item tracking.

I have tried to open a case on eBay but it won't let me proceed as it just says I need to print off a Returns Label which I don't need to do as item has already been returned.

Any advice what I can do or do I just have to write it off and post feedback accordingly. The amount is less than £10 but it's more the principle.

UPDATE

Haha!

Literally as soon as I posted I had an email arrived showing my full refund.

Must post more often! 🤣🤣🤣

I think they removed the option to add your own tracking.
To cover yourself, send the seller a message via Ebay with a copy/link to the RM proof of delivery and ask for the refund. Include the tracking no. in your message just to make sure.
I have done this in the past and received a refund fairly soon after.
If no refund appears you will have proof in the Ebay system that it was sent back and then need to do battle with the convoluted system to contact Ebay.
You can also ask on the Ebay Forums which you find at the bottom of the Ebay pages under the Community link.

You posted while I was typing, at least you know what to do next time.

Think we cross posted MonumentalLentil but many thanks for replying.

I did exactly as you suggested and sent photos of the Royal Mail tracking which shows when it was delivered and who signed and have now finally received my refund.

I would normally return using the ebay label but the amount they wanted was ludicrous for the size of the item which I could have easily sent in a normal envelope.