Receiving a returned item Refund deadlines

Most items are sold easily. But occasionally, if a buyer is unhappy with an item, you'll be required to receive a returned item and refund the buyer.

Receiving a returned item

If you reach an agreement with the buyer for a full refund, the buyer should ship the item back to you.

Or if the buyer asked eBay to review a case for an item not matching the listing description, and we determine that the buyer is owed a full refund, we'll put the case on hold for 10 days and ask the buyer to ship the item back to you.

We'll ask the buyer to use tracking or a Delivery Confirmation number so we know where the package is in transit, and we're able to confirm that you received it.

If a case was opened and we have confirmation that you received the item, within 3 days we'll provide a full refund to the buyer that covers the cost of the item and original shipping.

Buyers are required to pay return shipping, except for rare situations when a buyer and seller agree to another arrangement or eBay agrees to pay the shipping.

Refund deadlines

If you've agreed to issue a refund for an item, you must do so within 3 days of promising the refund or within 3 days of receiving the returned item. Go to the Resolution Centre to issue a refund.

If the buyer used a payment method other than PayPal, it's important that you refund the buyer using the same payment method used to buy the item. This prevents buyers from getting two refunds—one from you and one from the credit card company.

If the buyer paid with PayPal, the buyer will automatically be directed to PayPal's Resolution Centre to open a case. Unfortunately, if you're unhappy with PayPal's decision in the case you must comply with PayPal's decision. If PayPal finds in the buyer's favour on the Claim, funds will be deducted from your PayPal account to reimburse the buyer for the full purchase price of the item and original shipping costs – with no cap on coverage.

If we're unable to recover the amount of the refund from you, your account may be limited or suspended until payment is made.