Question Re: Why am I being charged for a refund? in Selling on eBay

Why am I being charged for a refund?

natfow_64 — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 13:23:27 GMT

I had an order come through while I was away. I assumed that the order would cancel before I could send the item, so I messaged the buyer to explain but didn't receive a reply.

They have now requested a refund and I am being prompted to process the refund, which of course I am happy to do, but Ebay is trying to charge me for the refund amount.

I never received any funds from this buyer, so why is eBay trying to charge me? Why aren't the funds just released back to the buyer?

Re: Why am I being charged for a refund?

lezned-toycollector — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 13:47:25 GMT

Any refund amount will be deducted from your available funds. If there aren't sufficient funds available to cover the refund, your payment method on file will be debited.

If, on the other hand, it's a cancellation request, the buyer's payment is returned and any associated fees are credited... meaning it's entirely cost neutral to the seller with no amount either received or payable. Although I can see how that might be confusing given their choice of wording is "Amount you owe"

Re: Why am I being charged for a refund?

natfow_64 — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 19:59:19 GMT

But I've double checked and I've not had any money enter my account, which means payment must be still held by eBay no? I'm not understanding why it is asking me to enter my card details and pay the full purchase amount as a refund

Re: Why am I being charged for a refund?

lezned-toycollector — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 02:47:21 GMT

Are you checking your eBay account or your bank account for the buyer’s payment? You need to check the former. Have a look at what is showing in your payments summary. This can be found in My eBay >>> Selling/Sold >>> Payments >>> Summary

If the buyer hasn't paid, then there's nothing to refund... but if they have, your payments should be on hold. Your payment summary will confirm this. Have you actually received a payout for any of the 3 items you've sold?

The following URL explains why you have to add a payment method to your account.

https://www.ebay.com.au/help/selling/fees-credits-invoices/setting-changing-payment-method-fees-selling-costs?id=5205&st=3&pos=4&query=Setting%20up%20and%20changing%20your%20payment%20method%20for%20fees%20and%20selling%20costs&intent=managed%20payments&lucenceai=lucenceai&docId=HELP1632

Re: Why am I being charged for a refund?

natfow_64 — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 03:50:32 GMT

Ah I see the issue now, the payment has gone to an old bank account that no longer exists. Do you have any idea what to do in this case?

Re: Why am I being charged for a refund?

twyngwyn — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 05:53:16 GMT

Contact your bank