eBay buyer dispute and partial refund. How does this affect the seller?

[LordBelcher]

Hi

I sold an item on eBay recently. The buyer wasn't too pleased with the item, so I recommended that they return it for a full refund.

Now the buyer has opened a case via eBay asking for a partial refund. I have refused as I stand by the product sold (it was as described), and have a feeling that the buyer is trying it on.

Despite the case still ongoing, Paypal have placed the original amount paid on hold (the account is now in the red). Why have PP seen fit to do this? If eBay had found in the buyer's favor, then I can understand. Also, how long does a dispute via eBay take?

[kernowlass]

Ebay and paypal are more or less the same company and the disputes work the same way.

If and only if paypal find in favour of the buyer they will have to return the item at their own expense "trackable" back to you before you have to give a full refund of the original payment.

The fact they have to pay to return the item and don't get that cost back again (unless you are a business seller), often will make a buyer reconsider if they are being fair or not.   

[LordBelcher]

Thanks for the info.

In this instance though, the buyer is requesting a partial refund, not return the item. My main concern is that, if ebay finds in their favor, I will lose a big chunk of money, plus there's no way I can appeal...

Also, Paypal have taken it upon themselves to put my ac in a negative balnce - even though no decision has been made!

[kernowlass]

Paypal put your account into neg balance until the dispute is sorted.

If the buyer wins a dispute paypal don't allow them to have a partial refund unless YOU have agreed to it, they will expect them to return the item for a full refund if they win the dispute.