Buyer wants refund, item not arrived on time
I shipped the item on time, posted a tracking number and notified the buyer of the tracking number and that it had been shipped. They want a refund because it has not arrived. A quick check with the post office site, and entering the tracking number, it clearly states that severe flooding in that area may cause a delay in the buyer receiving package. (They could have looked at this as I did.) I don't mind issuing a refund, but what happens when the item finally arrives to the buyer? Does ebay policy say they have to return the item? I should not have to incur lost revenue as well as the product. Seller since 1997 and first time this exact situation has arisen so I just need advice. Thanks for any advice and suggestions.
6 comments
wastingtime101
·1 year agoI would send the buyer a screenshot of USPS that indicates the flooding delay and ask them to be more patient.
If you refund now, there is no recourse for you if the package is later delivered.
How many days ago was the last tracking scan @mullhead and how expensive was the item?
monica-sells
·1 year agoI am not sure what other members would do, but I am "non-emotional" by the facts kind of person.,,
Let the buyer open a case....you will be required to input a tracking number to respond to an ebay inquiry as to the INR request. IF the tracking shows any movement, ebay will generally give the shipment more time. Don't be intimiidated, or jump to resolutions through messaging with the buyer....just do it by the book.
mullhead
OP1 year agoOk, thanks for the advice. I have until Saturday to respond, I suppose. I appreciate it.
wastingtime101
·1 year agoAh you didn't say earlier the buyer already filed a claim. On what date was the last tracking scan?
mullhead
OP1 year agoIt states: Label created - ensure carrier has package by Jul 16 to meet promised handling time. Estimated delivery date shown to buyer: Jul 17, 2025 - Jul 23, 2025.
Then the post office site states that severe weather and flooding may cause a delay in buyer receiving the package.
Thanks. I'll wait and see what transpires over the next few days.
wastingtime101
·1 year agoThat info is from the top of the order details page. But it seems to be indicating the package is stuck at 'label created' and there are no tracking scans. Are there tracking scans on the USPS website? If not, you're out of luck as there is no proof you shipped anything. If no scans appear by end of day tomorrow you'll have to refund the buyer.
The red 'severe flooding' banner is at the top of the USPS tracking page but may not apply to your or your buyer's location. That warning links to this page: https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/
It says: Severe storms will be moving across the North Central U.S. (North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois) and may impact the processing, transportation, and delivery of mail and packages.
As your location is North Carolina, that flooding warning does not explain a complete lack of USPS scans on your package.