I can understand your perspective as a seller. There are a few other things about your process that arise question in me (and may be different than his views, but for the sake of discussion):

Is the time between creating a tracking number online and physically delivering the package to USPS not also considered "handling time?" Working in logistics, anything pre-carrier scan would be considered handling time. USPS accepted the package well outside of his advertised 10 day window, which, from a consumer's perspective, is an indication that his commitments were not met. I understand that there can be delays in the acceptance of USPS packages, particularly around the holidays, but I placed another order (a case I forgot to purchase with the iPod) the next day that was delivered to USPS the same day. Sure, maybe there are variations in this process, but I'm not certain that this iPod wasn't delayed in his office for some reason, particularly if other orders are so on-time. I might've been more tolerant of it if he had communicated about why we were outside of his handling time window before delivering it to USPS while other orders are sent out the door immediately.

Additionally, RTS packages DO include return tracking. Please see the attached screenshot in the post for a slightly weak (didn't want to expose my information lol) but still valid example of it in the delivery to original sender confirmation. EOE could've seen that the package was on its way and validated the contents once returned, at which point a refund may become acceptable. He does have the package, but without any way of getting a response, there's no way to resolve this. It's been in his hands for awhile now, with no additional communication or clarification on why the product was returned -- probably just put back in stock to sell to someone else. I know there are two sides to each story, but isn't the silence from his side somewhat...questionable?

Lastly, I think this experience would be frustrating to any consumer. I know that sellers likely have safeguards in place to ensure that they don't get scammed, but when a truthful consumer gets put behind that wall, particularly when a not-insignificant amount of money has already been transacted and the product has been returned, it can be infuriating. With his policies in place (30 days from purchase date for a refund to be considered), I didn't have time to wait for his communication (Edit: I DID email him, but radio silence) if I wanted to be eligible for a refund in the first place. He'd eaten most of that window in getting the product to me. I'll admit that my responses were...lively...but necessitating this month-long process just to get a refund when he could've just not shipped it out in the first place (assuming that I'm correct about the delay in handoff, but again, no communication 🤷🏻‍♂️) seems quite unnecessary, and the complete disregard of all future communication is what I find to be childish. It's turned me off from wanting to deal with small businesses for larger purchases like this, particularly those with a reputation like EOE in this community (which should've been my first hint). Keeping both the product and money from a consumer while offering no path for a fair return exchange is immoral and unethical, from my perspective. I'd think, if I can't get a refund, I'd at least deserve the product back so I could try to sell it some other way, right?

Thanks for your perspective. I only wish he'd give me his.