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Is the buyer or the seller for a lost package
Summary: The discussion revolves around the responsibility for a lost USPS package. emmamakr_0 asked if the buyer or seller is responsible. Several participants, including rfmtm and momtoabeautifuldaughter, stated that the seller is responsible and should file a claim with USPS. jacbarcollectibles explained that USPS considers a package lost after 21 days without movement and advised that the seller should refund the buyer if insurance was involved. mr_lincoln offered detailed guidance on the process, mentioning new eBay seller protections introduced in 2025, emphasizing the importance of filing claims and potentially refunding buyers if packages are officially lost.
Who is responsible for a lost package from USPS?
emmamakr_0
OP2 weeks agoWhat is the phone number to an eBay live agent?
mr_lincoln
Mentor2 weeks agoHi @emmamakr_0
-The first thing you want to do is file a Missing mail piece with USPS on their website
-If the item has not been delivered by the estimated delivery date AND the Buyer files a claim that they did not receive their package you refund them through the claim before the claim ends (3 days). If you do not refund and the Bueyr asks eBay to step in then eBay will refund the Buyer from your account plus give you a defect for not resolving a problem on the transaction.
-If USPS determines the package is officially lost you have to file a claim with them and hopefully your insured the package for the sold amount and not just used the built in $ 100 coverage.
-Good news though if you ship within your handling time and print the label through ebay. eBay launched a new Seller protection in late 2025, here are the details.
If the following criteria is met eBay will reimburse you if the package is eventually delivered after you have refunded a Buyer through an eBay claim that they did not receive their package AND delivery is confirmed through tracking on eBay. eBay launched this new Seller protection in late 2025.
1. Seller prints the shipping label through eBay
2. Seller ships and gets a carrier scan within their Handling time
3. Buyer files a claim through eBay that they did not receive their package AND the Seller refunds the Buyer through the eBay claim
emmamakr_0
OP2 weeks agoSo is the buyer responsible for a lost delivery or the seller?
momtoabeautifuldaughter
Mentor2 weeks agoDid you not see the answers you already got??
jacbarcollectibles
Mentor2 weeks agoThe USPS only considers a package lost when there is no movement for 21 days. So if this is the case then the seller should fully refund the buyer and then file a claim with the USPS for a lost package if there was insurance on the package.
momtoabeautifuldaughter
Mentor2 weeks agoSeller
rfmtm
Mentor2 weeks agoSeller is and should file a claim at USPS.com.