Returning to China - seller provided untracked label

[kishytech]

I have run into a bit of a situation I'd appreciate some input on.

I purchased two LCD panels (for laptop computers) from a seller in China. The panel in question is considered very hard to find as it is out of production, but the listing was clear that I was buying the exact part number I wanted.

I received two LCD panels with the correct part number but which are obviously incorrect. Either the label has been fabricated or the part has been rebuilt with inferior parts...either way, it is a counterfeit item, and the differences about it make it unusable for my needs.

I contacted the seller through the return mechanism and after some back-and-forth, including multiple very small refund offers where I could keep the items and get back up to about 10 percent of the amount I spent, the seller did provide a paid-for return shipping label. However, the label they provided is for an untracked shipping service.

In my opinion the seller has demonstrated that they are dishonest, or at least a little shady.

I believe that if I mail this item back using the untracked label they have provided, the seller will claim to never receive the item.

Do I have any recourse if that happens?

There is no way to escalate/involve eBay in the return process after a label is provided...it takes away the option to ask for eBay to step in and help. How would you proceed in this situation?

[pjcdn2005]

What service is the label for?  It's unusual for an overseas seller to provide an actual label.

I have a different answer than some of the other posters. If you opened an item not as described return and a seller provided you with a label for a non tracked service, it is their responsibility to refund you even if they say that they haven't received the item back.  If they don't refund you, you can ask ebay to step in (make sure that you don't miss the window as to when you can do that) and they should decide in your favour.  Here is the information from eBay about it.

"Tracking is required to confirm the item has been returned to the seller. Signature confirmation is required for items returned with a total cost of $750 or more. If a seller chooses to offer the buyer an untracked return label and eBay is asked to step in and help, the buyer will not be required to provide proof of delivery or signature confirmation"

https://www.ebay.ca/help/policies/ebay-money-back-guarantee-policy/ebay-money-back-guarantee-policy?...

One thing that I would be concerned about is if there was proof that the seller provided the label because if you provided your own label the onus would be on you to prove delivery.   If they uploaded the label to you through the return request or through ebay messages, then that would prove that they provided the label.

[kishytech]

The label is for Canada Post Small Packet Surface and it was provided through the eBay return request. The credit card receipt half of the label indicates that it has "delivery confirmation" however Canada Post says this label has zero trackability and will not issue me a receipt confirming I have dropped it off. I realize delivery confirmation is not the same as tracking but I still need a way to substantiate that I hand the item over to the post office, don't I? That being said, the paragraph you quoted is reassuring, and maybe I should just ship it and see what happens.