I thought I was an ebay expert but I have no idea where I stand on this one!

[seeker]

I bought something a while ago, and the seller sent it Recorded Delivery. I was out when the postman delivered, and he left a card. And I forgot to go and collect it before I went away for half term. By the time I got back, the item had been returned to the seller. I sent her a message apologizing, and asking her to send me an invoice for another lot of postage so that she could send it out again. I have sent this message 3 times now, and I have had no reply. What do I do now? Have I somehow broken the contract by not colecting the item - or does she have an obligation to send it out again?

I had this happen and the seller sent it out again without a question. I am pretty certain that you have not broken a contract, perhaps you should request their contact details - IME this bucks people up as they are informed when someone does this.

If this doesn't work perhaps contact Ebay and ask them where you stand?

this happened to me, and i refused to pay another postage. simply i posted it and buyer did not collect, rm send back.
in this case i ask buyer pay for postage again.

The op has offered to pay again

This did happen to me and the poster was really sweet and sent it on without any problem. How long have you left it? Maybe they are on holiday or ill.

My advice is to wait a fortnight and then contact ebay.

there is no contract as such on this, and there is no reason why the seller cannot send it out again, especially as you have offered to pay the 2nd lot of postage.
Maybe they are unsure of how to send an invoice for this?
I'd send another message asking for confirmation that it will be ok for you to send the 2nd postage direct to her paypal account. I'd give it 2 -3 days for a reply and if non received then open a item not received dispute.

I think you need to open a not received dispute. The tracking number on royal mails website should show the item as returned to sender, so I would think paypal will find in your favour - you haven't had it after all. If nothing else it will probably grab the sellers attention enough to communicate with you!!

thank you everyone - it's just arrived - no extra postage asked for! Off to leave the seller lovely feedback.

That is so nice! I am really plesed that you had a good experience with this one! Mine was like that too and it made me all glowey about Ebay sellers (above and beyond so to speak)!