I've tried searching online, but am still confused.

I bought an item off ebay and paid thru paypal. The item was not as described (and although the seller gave me a hard time initially...)and the seller agreed to give me a full refund.

So what do I do now? Do I just ask him to give me a return address and send it to him (with a tracking number of course) and hope he goes on paypal and issues me a refund? Was he supposed to give me a refund and then I ship it back? was I supposed to open a dispute on ebay/paypal?

guy seems a little sketchy and I want to follow the right steps so I don't get screwed over (and I've never had a problem like this). thanks.

Usually with paypal when you initiate a dispute and it goes to claim, they will ask the buyer to give proof (delivery confirmation) it was shipped back to seller. Once the seller has the item back a refund is given. Or if the seller has a paypal balance they freeze that amount and then refund the buyer once the item is returned.

ah. ok (thanks for the input).. so i should open a dispute even though the seller has agreed to refund me?

If the seller doesn't refund you in a timely fashion (i.e., 24 hours), open a dispute. It takes seconds to issue a refund on PayPal. And don't send the item back until you have your money back.

Well that's a touchy one. I'd at least come to some agreement where mutually you send delivery conformation the item is shipped back and he refunds the money at the same time. If you don't trust him to do this definitely take it to the claim level. So you've taken it to dispute level with paypal so far? If they are aware and you've both communicated that you can resolve it without filing a claim, then you should be good. It all depends on the trust level.

EDIT: Yeah what shuzluva said. Don't send anything back till a refund is issued.

no, i've just been messaging the seller and have not filed a dispute or a claim.

having issues with an ipod my dad bought... doesn't work right and obviously not legit - even though the listing says it is new (albeit w/o packaging) and has mfg warranty.

Absolutely get a refund before you send it anywhere. And if the seller is giving you problems, ebay has this whole new "buyer protection" you can contact their customer support. They're open practically the entire day. If you don't like that route, then contact paypal. But I think ebay is all..."rah rah" support right now, so it might be good to use them.