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Return deadline is August 24, but I live in Panama and the item cannot reach USPS by then
Summary: ju585267 purchased a phone on eBay that turned out to be carrier-locked and unsuitable for use in Panama. Although a return was approved, the deadline for USPS shipping does not align with the international shipping timeframe. ju585267 is concerned about missing the deadline and losing buyer protection and seeks advice on extending the return shipping deadline or obtaining an exception from eBay.
Hello,
I recently purchased a cell phone on eBay that I believed was unlocked and would work in Panama. However, after receiving it, I discovered that the phone is carrier-locked and cannot be used as I expected.
I have already opened a return request through eBay, and the return was approved. eBay is currently asking me to ship the item back by August 24.
The problem is that I currently have the phone in Panama. I am using an international courier to send it back to the United States, but due to the international shipping time, the package will likely not arrive in the U.S. until around first days of september.
The return label provided by eBay is a USPS label, so I cannot actually hand the package to USPS from Panama. The courier would first have to transport it to the U.S. and then it could enter the USPS system.
I am concerned that eBay may close my return because the USPS tracking scan will occur after August 24, even though I am actively trying to return the item.
Is there any way to extend the return shipping deadline or have eBay make an exception because the item is currently outside the United States?
I want to make sure I follow eBay's return policy and don't lose my buyer protection because of the international shipping time.
I would really appreciate any advice or help from an eBay representative or experienced community member.
Thank you!
eastlaneave
Mentor2 weeks ago@ju585267
You can ask Customer Service to extend the return time, but they may not.
If you used a freight forwarder to ship the item from USA to Panama, you lose all buyer protection.
Exclusions and special coverage when the item doesn't match the listing
- The item was collected by a third party on behalf of the buyer - Not covered
- The buyer arranged their own shipping method, such as a courier pickup - Not covered
https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/ebay-money-back-guarantee-policy/ebay-money-back-guarantee-policy?id=4210#section3
You can avoid this in the future by buying from a seller who uses eBay International Shipping to ship to Panama.