Yes PayPal will request you return the item at your own expense.  And, yes, if your seller is a decent person he/she would tell you to dump the kettle and would refund, however looking at it from a seller's point of view, how does he/she know it leaks?:|

So all up you paid $35 & you will lose around $18 to return for full refund of original cost including postage.JMO but I wouldn't be happy at only getting 50% of my money back although its better than nothing I suppose.

Not sure what I'd do other than leave them a neg for starters.I'd probably then open a Paypal dispute & escalate to a claim.JMO

Unless it cost more to return than I paid in total I would always go through the Paypal dispute process. Do you use or do you know a seller who uses click & send? If so if it will fit in a 3kg ebay satchel you can send it with Paypal acceptable tracking for under eleven dollars.

I would open the dispute and leave a factual, no name calling, no capitals comment saying the item was not in usable condition and seller would not voluntarily refund. Don't actually mention Paypal.

How much is a new seal ?:|

Paypals policies on returns for not as described does state "may" have to return, mind you have not really read any good news stories bout that, except for a few who had to kick up a fuss to get refund, without return.

Nonetheless, if you proceed to a claim - make sure you note that you are seeking to not return the item as the cost to do so by a paypal accepted method, outweighs the benefits. 

I always think it is worth giving them a bell and see what they advise too. From time to time you get a very helpful agent, other times .... well ggggrrrrr.

Thanks for advice everyone, it appears as I thought, I lose out no matter what course of action I choose. Should have followed that gut instinct when reading his feedback. Someone had negged him re a broken item & he responded with 'what a tosser'.

I'll just bide my time on this one & put lots of thought into the wording of my neg's 🙂

it won't fit in the 3kg satchel, is too old & not worth the stuffing around to try & get it mended which I don't believe one could anyway.

Just a test here. I seem to be unable to post a new thread. any hints?

Just a test here. I seem to be unable to post a new thread. any hints?

lindsay~~ to post a new thread you need to first choose the subcategory

Buying / Selling / etc..... that'll take you to next page with post new question option