[mothered]

The thing is shipping the item back to them would be more expensive than the price of the item itself, so maybe if I mention that to them they'll send a refund without having to return the item?

Yes do that.

Inform them of the shipping cost, whereby It's not viable to return the product due to the cost of freight on your end. See how they respond to It.

I still don't know if eBay will ask me to return it after getting the refund.

If so, you'll be out of pocket for the reason mentioned above.

If It comes to that, communicate It to eBay

Sorry if this is confusing.

Not at all.

It's perfectly understood.