I received an item different from the one I bought and eBay says I have to pay for the return myself

Locked

Discussion interactions are currently paused.

Summary: magarba_0 received an item different from the one purchased, with the packaging already opened, contrary to what was stated in the description. They opened a return for "item not as described," but the system mistakenly classified it as a "change of mind," making the return shipping costs their responsibility. After unsuccessfully trying to get help from eBay and contact the seller, who has not replied for three days, magarba_0 is looking for suggestions on how to proceed, highlighting the lack of options to request eBay's intervention directly from the platform.

Hello,

three days ago I received an item and I received a different article, furthermore the package was already opened too, not new as stated in the description. I have photos and everything.

I opened a return choosing "item not as described" but then I saw that the system says I have to pay for the return shipping.

I tried chatting with eBay but they absolutely would not help me in any way at all. They said the return had been opened as a "change of mind" but I had selected "item not as described". And they said they couldn't do anything and not to close the return or I wouldn't be able to open another one.

I tried contacting the seller but it's been 3 days and they haven't replied.

I can't ask eBay to step in because there isn't any button.

What can I do?

Thanks in advance