Why does Ebay keep selling fees for items they refund after a dispute (tracking showed lost)?

[spend_with_style]

I sold an item and was charged $34 fees. It was sent with tracking but never received ( AusPost tracking just shows a dead end). Ebay ruled in the buyers favor and refunded but they keep their fees.....

I am out of pocket for the item, postage and then $34 selling fees. Seems very unfair.

[cam-2793 · Accepted solution]

it does seem unfair that they keep the fees and they do it because THEY can't lose money. If Oz post lost the item then you will need to contact them for compensation, hopefully you'll be able to get back postage and item costs. You will need to first submit a missing item request https://helpandsupport.auspost.com.au/s/missing-or-lost-item.

if they can't find it there should be a link on that page for compensation. It might be worthwhile asking them to compensate for the fees as well ( you will need proof) but there is no guarantee that you will be able to get compo for that. Best of luck!

[countessalmirena]

OP, were you not aware that you don’t receive any credit of FVFs if eBay is asked to step in and the buyer is refunded?

❝You are not eligible for fee credits in any of the following situations:

• You refund the buyer outside of eBay (using PayPal to send money, for instance)
• You issued a partial refund to the buyer
• You or the buyer asked us to step in, and the case was closed with a refund to the buyer❞

https://www.ebay.com.au/help/selling/fees-credits-invoices/fee-credits?id=4128

If an item is not delivered, you should refund the buyer - if for no reason other than that eBay will both keep the fees and give you a black mark.