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U.S. Post Office Destroyed My Package
Summary: auctions4fun2 sold an item on eBay, but the buyer claimed it was "open" and was granted a refund by eBay. When the item was returned, it arrived as damaged packaging without the product, allegedly due to a postal machine mishap. auctions4fun2 is uncertain about issuing a refund since eBay rules state a refund should not occur if the product is not returned. lady_madonna advises that since the package was returned without the product due to postal damage, auctions4fun2 should file a postal claim if the package was insured, while others stress the importance of following eBay's refund process to avoid penalties.
I sold an item and the buyer claims it was "open". No way to disprove or prove that. However, eBay simply allowed him to start a dispute and approved a refund. The buyer shipped the item back to me via USPS.
Today I went to the Post Ofiice to pick up the package. However, all I received was the packing material, placed inside a clear plastic back from the post office, and the product was nowhere to be found. Upon further inspection, I could see the original packing material was shredded on one side with black greas on the packing material. I took this to the front counter and asked the post master what this was. He said it was a "Dead Mans Package". He said what that means is somewhere alog the line, a machine at a post office destroyed the package, the contects fellout, and we simply mailed you the packing material. Clearly the package was damage.
So now what?
EBay "thinks" the package was delivered, when in fact, I have nothing. am I required t still refund this guys money? Who can help me out on this. I am not sure what to do.
Thanks,
Jim
lady_madonna
Mentor2 weeks agoRefund the buyer and file a postal claim if the package was insured.
auctions4fun2
OP2 weeks agoIm not sending a refund to someone when I am unable to verify any part of it.
jacbarcollectibles
Mentor2 weeks agoIf you do not refund on your own then the buyer can ask eBay to step in and they will force a refund from you and give you a defect on your account.
auctions4fun2
OP2 weeks agoEbay told me in an email that if they buyer does return my product then a refund will not be issued.
I dont have the product.
So not sure how that's possible when I follow directions sent by ebay.
lady_madonna
Mentor2 weeks agoYou stated that you don't have the product, but in your original post, you stated "The buyer shipped the item back to me via USPS.Today I went to the Post Ofiice to pick up the package"
Since the buyer returned the package, you must refund or else Ebay will refund the buyer from your funds..
Since "a machine at a post office destroyed the package", that is the fault of USPS.
comics-scifi-collectibles
Mentor2 weeks ago@auctions4fun2 The seller is responsible for the item arriving safely and on time per the eBay Money Back Guarantee. This means that since the system sees that the buyer returned a package you MUST issue the refund or else as my fellow Mentor's have stated you will get a DEFECT and will not get your sellers fees back.
You need to file a damage claim on the USPS website after you refund the buyer. Insurance is for the sellers protection, the buyer is covered by the eBay MBG. https://www.usps.com/help/claims.htm