So I’ve sold an item through PayPal and the buyer is claiming it is not as described and wants a refund.

He wants the refund approved before sending the item back.

What protection do I have as a seller if I approve the refund and then either don’t get back the item or get back something beyond the condition of what I sold?

Even if I signed for a tracked parcel, what’s to say its not full of junk?

Refund after receipt of goods. Video opening it if you want some extra protection..

Why would anyone expect a refund before sending back!?

And ping item gets lost in the post.

Stick to your guns, ask buyer to send via a trackable delivery method , have they opened an item not described case with paypal?

Was it on eBay or elsewhere?

Not via eBay but paid for as goods on PayPal.

The case has been raised via official PayPal routes.

If I accept the ‘refund’ option, do PayPal hold the money until I confirm I’ve had the item back and its been received as described. Or do they just pay out?

Paypal will have probably held the money by limiting for paypal account. I would make sure paypal are aware of how the item doesnt fit the description and how it vareies from your description., if that makes sense. If i remember correctly they will ask the buyer to provide tracking info, then they refund when you notify them that you have recieved it back.

Good luck with it!

Is that “When I receive it back AS DESCRIBED” or just the fact I’ve signed for it?

When youve checked over it and agree with what the buyer has taken issue with and make sure it was the same item you actually sold. If its not or its been damaged get in touch with paypal . Hopefully its just a case of buyer remorse.