Could a seller bypass a refund because of a flaw in the Ebay return procedure ?

[oragex]

I noticed perhaps a flaw in the Ebay item returning procedure.  I stand corrected if I'm wrong, please comment

I received an item which is different than the one pictured in the listing.  I then opened a return procedure, the seller accepted the item to be returned but asked for a return shipping cost quote.  I went to the Post Office to get shipping quotes, and presented them to the seller.  He then messaged and said the fees are too high so he will refund me without having the item shipped back to him. 

After this message... silence.  The Ebay return procedure is still opened and I only have two options: mark the item as Returned - which is not the case, or close the return procedure completely.   No one of these two options can force the seller to actually refund me.  What is more, the return procedure will automatically close at the deadline date which is a few days ahead. 

How can I make sure the seller will actually refund ? 

[i.am.vivian]

Use the HELP & CONTACT link at the bottom of the page and call eBay.  Its a free call.  Tell them the item you were sent was not the same as what was pictured and that the seller promised to refund.  Show them the email where the seller agreed to just refund you.  Tell the person on the phone the seller has not done anything and is now ignoring you. 

It's called "asking eBay to step in" and it should close the case in your favor with a refund. 

[oragex]

Appreciate, will try this

[oragex]

Well, it was a very cunning/dishonest seller, perhaps the most cunning seller I met since I buy from Ebay. They lied and lied again, and tried by all available ways not to honor their responsibility. After arguing they accepted for a 20% refund. I refused, then more arguing, then they accepted a return, but said they can't provide a return shipping label. They made me go to the post office for a return quote when it's obvious that shipping back from Canada would cost more than the item value. As the case closing date was approaching they said they will fully refund but no refund happened. Then I told them they either refund in 24h or I will call the Ebay Help center, as vivian mentioned here above. It's only then I received the refund within a few hours, 2 days before the case would close.