First and foremost, no matter what you say in a listing, you CANNOT refuse a return for any reason other than the buyer deciding they don't want the item (or something similar), even if you don't offer returns. That is against eBay policies. If it is not as described, if it is damaged, etc., eBay policy is that they can return the item to you.
Per eBay policy:
Quote:
While eBay encourages sellers to offer great buying and return experiences for online shoppers to achieve a competitive advantage, you may choose not to offer a return policy on your items. This option has not changed. When you do not offer a return policy, the eBay Money Back Guarantee applies and your seller standard may be affected. You'll be required to pay for return shipping when the buyer chooses the following reasons:
- It doesn’t work or it’s defective
- It doesn’t match description or photos
- The wrong item was sent
- There are missing parts or accessories
- It arrived damaged
- The item doesn’t seem authentic
Starting in February 2016, sellers will only receive a returns-related defect if eBay has to step in to resolve a returns issue, and the resolution is in favor of the buyer. In other words, the buyer’s reason for returning an item will no longer count as a defect as long as you successfully resolve a return request with the buyer without asking eBay for help.
|
I am not sure how UK postal services work, but in the US, you submit an insurance claim with USPS and, if they accept the claim, they mail you a check for the insured/claimed amount. What I'd recommend is opening a case with eBay stating you will refund the buyer his money once the insurance claim check arrives (if that is also how it works in the UK).
And for the future, using stock images is a good way to get screwed over as per this incident. With images of the item on the listing, it is only some extra proof to help your case.