Hey guys, just looking for some input on whether or not I'm being unreasonable in this minor eBay dispute I've got going on right now.
The backstory: As I wasn't going to go to the San Diego Comic Con, I pre-ordered this year's Gears of War exclusive figure through a seller on eBay and paid for it via Paypal. As it turns out, NECA decided to cancel the figure, so the seller was unable to obtain it. (Obviously)
The seller sent out an e-mail to buyers listing the items from the show that they weren't able to obtain and promised a refund.
A few days later, with no refund being issued, I contacted the seller regarding the refund. The seller proceeded to send me a "Cancel Transaction" request, which they wanted me to accept before they would issue a refund. When I went to view the request, there was a note from eBay on the page that said if I had paid for the item and did not get a refund yet, not to cancel the transaction.
I e-mailed the seller regarding this, and was basically told "Sorry, this is how we handle these." - I then contacted eBay via phone, and was told by their representative that the seller is supposed to issue the refund first in this case, and that if they don't, I should decline the cancel request and file a "non-reciept of item" complaint.
I e-mailed the seller again, basically repeating what I just wrote above and telling them that, while I don't want to go the complaint route, I also didn't appreciate having my money held hostage and being told that the only way to get it was to leave myself open to not getting it and having no recourse to pursue it since I would have accepted the cancellation.
The seller has good feedback 2,000+ positive, 23 negative (including items from last years show that they apparently offered refunds on and the buyers claim they didn't get), so while I'm sure the seller would refund the money, I don't like the way they're handling the situation and really don't want the aggravation of even thinking that they're going to rip me off. At the same time, I also feel like a bit of a jerk for even having to argue about something as simple as a payment for a freakin' action figure.
So, here's the question - While I know based on eBay's policies, I'm in the right, am I being a dick here or is my feeling that the seller is just playing power-trip/feedback games here correct?
Any answers you guys would offer, especially from experienced eBay buyers and sellers would be appreciated! Thanks!