Anyone notice Ebay no longer has a way to message them on Facebook?

Posted 1 year ago·Last reply 1 year ago

42 comments

soh.maryl

·1 year ago

110 View listings

Just checking: You do know that eBay international buyers are allowed to use freight forwarders in the US, right?

And that the seller's responsibility for the item ends when tracking shows it to have arrived at the FF address?

gurlcat

·1 year ago

@soh.maryl @momtoabeautifuldaughter Please note the date this thread was started and read the replies if you are unclear on the details of this case. What the OP posted today was the final chapter.

soh.maryl

·1 year ago

110 View listings

Thank you.

momtoabeautifuldaughter

·1 year ago

Love my beautiful daughter92 View listings

@gurlcat wrote:
@soh.maryl @momtoabeautifuldaughter Please note the date this thread was started and read the replies if you are unclear on the details of this case. What the OP posted today was the final chapter.

Thank you

momtoabeautifuldaughter

·1 year ago

Love my beautiful daughter92 View listings

@wirkaholic wrote:
I have a situation where a buyer had a item shipped to a 3rd party re-shipper. I didn't notice it when I shipped it out since I sometimes have a lot of orders in the morning. Buyer opened up a INR yesterday so I looked at the tracking and noticed it was going to MIAMI so I looked at his user ID and he is in Honduras. So I looked up the address on Google and it is one of those freight forwarders. The Package was out for delivery on the 11th and of course USPS didn't mark it delivered. I wanted to contact an US CS Rep since the ones here on Ebay are totally unreliable. I went to Facebook since that's where everyone sends people to when they have an issue. Wouldn't you know, there is No message button. What's up with that. I don't have twitter or instagram. Just Facebook. What Now??

I literally just went to eBay Facebook page and was able to message them?

mam98031

·1 year ago

Owner / Operator19676 View listings

I still recommend doing the TRACE as it is still available and in my experience it is faster to get a response. But that is just my experience. I can't speak to others. But for me it was about 50/50 if I did a missing mail report if I'd even get a response.

Which is why I recommend to the following to those dealing with an INR.

If a buyer contacts you with a delivery issue or if the buyer opens an INR, IMHO these are the steps to take.

If an INR was opened, make sure you upload the tracking number to the INR right away.

Go to USPS website and review the detail tracking info.

On this tracking screen there is a place to file for email updates as there is movement on the tracking. Sign up for that so you get informed right away when something gets entered to the tracking.

Go and file for a TRACE, I don't recommend filing for Missing Mail just yet. The two are completely different actions. The Trace usually gets the job done quicker.
https://usps.my.site.com/emailus/s/package-inquiry

Contact your buyer. Keep all contact inside the INR filed so everything is recorded on the claim. Let your buyer know you are working with USPS to get their package delivered. Apologize for the delay. And let them know you filed a trace which takes between 48-72 hours for USPS to respond. As you get any information you will update the buyer right away. Assure your buyer that you are working this problem and will continue to do so until a proper resolution.

If there is movement on the tracking within the last 7 days, Ebay will keep the INR open. Do not voluntarily issue the refund yet. It is highly likely the package is going to get delivered, it is just late. Annoying for the buyer for sure. Just stay in touch with them and assure them you are working on a resolution.

gurlcat

·1 year ago

I don't know if anybody else has noticed but USPS no longer requires or even recommends doing a "trace" (AKA "Package Inquiry") before filing a missing package search. I was already skipping that step for years because it never did anything but add time to my buyers' frustration. The fact that they've dropped it as a step tells me they knew it was a fake request all along, LOL!!

Here's how the page looks now. https://www.usps.com/help/missing-mail.htm

Screen Shot 2025-07-19 at 12.14.44 PM.png

mam98031

·1 year ago

Owner / Operator19676 View listings

@wirkaholic

If an INR was opened, make sure you upload the tracking number to the INR right away.

Go to USPS website and review the detail tracking info.

On this tracking screen there is a place to file for email updates as there is movement on the tracking. Sign up for that so you get informed right away when something gets entered to the tracking.

Go and file for a TRACE, I don't recommend filing for Missing Mail just yet. The two are completely different actions. The Trace usually gets the job done quicker.
https://usps.my.site.com/emailus/s/package-inquiry

**********************************************************

On each Ebay page there is a link to contact Customer Service at the top of the page and again at the bottom of the page.

I would suggest that you contact Ebay for Business on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter for the better trained CSRs.

Here are your options for contacting Ebay Customer Service. Please be aware that for social media CS, you send them a Private Message and briefly explain what your problem or issue is. Feel free to leave your Name, address, phone number and/or your email address in this message. It is private and secure and it may help to speed up the response for you.

https://twitter.com/askebay

https://www.facebook.com/ebay

https://www.instagram.com/ebayforsellers/

Your options will be on the left. If you use the link below you can only get to the Automated Assistant or Chat box type AGENT in the box and hit enter. You will then get more options. Not all options are available 24/7. It will depend on staffing available. So sometimes you can request a call back and sometimes you can't. Sometimes you have the Chat option available and other times it won't me. If it is important to you to use one of those options, just try back later.

If you use a cell phone or other mobile device, you may need to turn off your Spam filter so that Ebay can call you.

If you are a seller outside of the US or Canada, you will need to use the Chat Option.

https://www.ebay.com/help/eua?id=5275&mkevt=1&mkpid

https://www.ebay.com/help/home

wirkaholic

OP1 year ago

@mam98031 Not sure if you read my whole post or the update later posted, but I already did all the above mentioned.

But I do appreciate it....It might be helpful to someone who doesn't know what to do in this situation.

I will update everyone on the 22nd when I message Ebay back.

1 year ago

@wirkaholic

FYIâ€¦â€¦ You can click on the â€œvâ€ upper right hand corner of your first post then click â€œ report inappropriate contentâ€There will be a box where you can type in a message to the mods asking to close this thread to further comments, if you wish to do so.

animal-house-8

·1 year ago

2935 View listings

I sent a message 2 weeks ago on Instagram and never had a response.

wirkaholic

OP1 year ago

Update: Just got done with messaging Ebay. To my surprise it was a good outcome!

Had Lacy as the team member that answered my questions about the INR , usps not scanning and the fact that they were using a re-shipper. She let me know that Ebay was on my side and if the customer does not close the case before the deadline to contact them back and they will close it in my favour.

I know what they say and what they do are usually two different things but I will give her the benefit of the doubt.

It's not about the money...It's the principle.

kensgiftshop

·1 year ago

@wirkaholic wrote:
Update: Just got done with messaging Ebay. To my surprise it was a good outcome!
Had Lacy as the team member that answered my questions about the INR , usps not scanning and the fact that they were using a re-shipper. She let me know that Ebay was on my side and if the customer does not close the case before the deadline to contact them back and they will close it in my favour.
I know what they say and what they do are usually two different things but I will give her the benefit of the doubt.
It's not about the money...It's the principle.

We've heard that before.

Come back and let us know how it goes.

gurlcat

·1 year ago

@kensgiftshop wrote:
@wirkaholic wrote:
Update: Just got done with messaging Ebay. To my surprise it was a good outcome!
Had Lacy as the team member that answered my questions about the INR , usps not scanning and the fact that they were using a re-shipper. She let me know that Ebay was on my side and if the customer does not close the case before the deadline to contact them back and they will close it in my favour.
I know what they say and what they do are usually two different things but I will give her the benefit of the doubt.
It's not about the money...It's the principle.

We've heard that before.
Come back and let us know how it goes.

I think the fact that the conversation thread remains right there no matter how long you leave it, and that the rep's name is stated there .... is very encouraging. Even if another rep picks up the case when you reply next time, I highly doubt they will go against what Lacy said would happen. @wirkaholic -PLEASE update us regardless of outcome, okay?

wirkaholic

OP1 year ago

@gurlcat Yes, you are correct. When I went to message Ebay on Facebook there was the thread of a old message from a issue I had last year. I think that's why I feel good about the outcome. First of all it is a US rep and whoever I get the next time I message will be able to see the instructions that Lacy gave me.

I realize it's bold move but aren't you tired of these kind of buyers doing this? I don't have it happen but I see tons of it on the boards and some sellers don't know how to handle the situation so they cave and give a refund. I get it. It's scary. But they are taking advantage and if I can get one I'll be happy. It will also put a ding on his account. I'm gonna risk it and roll the dice...It's not about the money, it's the principle

If anyone is going to Ebay Live, Please put this in the ear of someone at Ebay. This is something that needs to be fixed. A simple click box in an INR case that says: Is this address a 3rd party shipper?

When I chatting with the rep she definately knew about the 3rd party shippers. We should have some protection. There needs to be a data base with all the addresses so that when this address pops up on an order you can have the option to accept or cancel the order. I know some of you don't mind shipping to them, which is ok but some of us just rather not have the hassle. I'm perfectly happy with Ebay international shipping. Best thing they ever did in my opinion.

Yes, I will update everyone when I get to the deadline. I plan on the 22nd. I don't want to wait too long and have it close with no response. I appreciate everyone here...you're always helpful. I'm not just fighting for me but everyone. If we can get a system going maybe Ebay takes notice. I'm always hopeful.

gurlcat

·1 year ago

99% of the time, overseas buyers using a freight forwarder are not a problem. But these ones in "Doral" (I put that in quotes because it's not even a real city, just a neighborhood in Miami) is a special case. Special as in "scammer's magic wand." Someone else could explain the precise problem better than I, but it has something to do with the zip code and how even though the item DOES get delivered there, it "doesn't" according to eBay's tracking system, and so any buyer who knows about this little quirk can purposely buy things and have them sent there, knowing they'll be able to get a free item if they just file INR.

It has been going on so long and is probably being "shared" among low-life scum on social media ... I can't believe USPS hasn't fixed it yet. But to my knowledge, THEY have to do it; it's not something eBay can do.

wirkaholic

OP1 year ago

UPDATE: Case was closed in my favor!

Ebay did refund the buyer which I find discouraging since they knew he used a re-shipper and even told me that it isn't covered under the Money back guarantee. So this person will go do this again to someone else.

They are now on my blocked list.

I will take any little win I can get, though I think he should have gotten a ding on his account. He was pushing for a refund and a free item. He got it, so he won also.

It is what it is.

gurlcat

·1 year ago

@wirkaholic wrote:
UPDATE: Case was closed in my favor!

Ebay did refund the buyer which I find discouraging since they knew he used a re-shipper and even told me that it isn't covered under the Money back guarantee. So this person will go do this again to someone else.
They are now on my blocked list.

I will take any little win I can get, though I think he should have gotten a ding on his account. He was pushing for a refund and a free item. He got it, so he won also.

It is what it is.

Without going in and re-reading all the replies, I can't remember, did you ever officially REPORT the buyer? Your social media contact doesn't count, in that regard. You can still report them for making a false claim, granted it won't cause eBay to snatch back the courtesy refund they gave them, but it will go on their record, and lend credence to the next seller who is victimized by them. One time when I filed such a report, the buyer's account was immediately SHUT DOWN, which suggested that I wasn't the first seller to report them, but I was the last . ðŸ˜Ž

Here's the link. Scroll to the blue 'Report Buyer' button, choose the transaction, and go from there!
https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/rules-policies-buyers/buying-practices-policy?id=4374

wirkaholic

OP1 year ago

I didn't since the tracking didn't show delivered to the freight forwarder. A problem we all see with these shippers. All the questions to report the buyer didn't apply to me or my case.

I did report the USPS location about the package not being marked delivered to the freight forwarder. I did receive a email back from the postmaster of that location saying they are going to look into it to get that resolved. Weither that happens or not is up in the air. I just know that if the USPS would have done their job none of this would have happened.

I would like someone who is going to Ebay Live to maybe put in a word or two about the problem. With all this AI they should have a way to notify us if the address is a freight forwarder. I know many of you don't mind but some of us don't want them. Scammers have figured out which ones are a target and not marking delivered. Ebay knows but just looks the other way. At least they closed the case in my favor since they realize what is going on. It's not perfect but I'll take a win and move on.

kensgiftshop

·1 year ago

That's a problem with some of the freight forwarders, USPS not scanning as delivered.

Without that delivery scan, not much a seller can do right now.

jonathanbrightlight

·1 year ago

0 View listings

@kensgiftshop wrote:
That's a problem with some of the freight forwarders, USPS not scanning as delivered.
Without that delivery scan, not much a seller can do right now.

I've seen some sellers say they were going to try adding Signature Required to their FF deliveries to try and combat that, have you heard if that works for anyone (or tried it yourself)?

lakefor94

·1 year ago

113 View listings

@jonathanbrightlight wrote:
@kensgiftshop wrote:
That's a problem with some of the freight forwarders, USPS not scanning as delivered.
Without that delivery scan, not much a seller can do right now.
I've seen some sellers say they were going to try adding Signature Required to their FF deliveries to try and combat that, have you heard if that works for anyone (or tried it yourself)?

@jonathanbrightlight

I just use UPS. They always provide a delivery scan to freight forwarders. No funny business with the delivery scans like USPS.

No need to require signature unless it is an expensive item.

short_circuit.lineman61

·1 year ago

606 View listings

@lakefor94 wrote:
@jonathanbrightlight wrote:
@kensgiftshop wrote:
That's a problem with some of the freight forwarders, USPS not scanning as delivered.
Without that delivery scan, not much a seller can do right now.
I've seen some sellers say they were going to try adding Signature Required to their FF deliveries to try and combat that, have you heard if that works for anyone (or tried it yourself)?
@jonathanbrightlight
I just use UPS. They always provide a delivery scan to freight forwarders. No funny business with the delivery scans like USPS.

No need to require signature unless it is an expensive item.

I have been upgrading all shipments over $100 to UPS except PO box ones because that is the extent of risk I am willing to take with a sketchy shipper.

This last rate increase is making the total switch to UPS look better and better

kensgiftshop

·1 year ago

@jonathanbrightlight wrote:
@kensgiftshop wrote:
That's a problem with some of the freight forwarders, USPS not scanning as delivered.
Without that delivery scan, not much a seller can do right now.
I've seen some sellers say they were going to try adding Signature Required to their FF deliveries to try and combat that, have you heard if that works for anyone (or tried it yourself)?

No, I haven't heard if that works or not.

Some say they are shipping UPS if they know it's a freight forwarder.

redlinear

·1 year ago

42408 View listings

@jonathanbrightlight wrote:
@kensgiftshop wrote:
That's a problem with some of the freight forwarders, USPS not scanning as delivered.
Without that delivery scan, not much a seller can do right now.
I've seen some sellers say they were going to try adding Signature Required to their FF deliveries to try and combat that, have you heard if that works for anyone (or tried it yourself)?

I'm spending a couple dollars more for FedEx or UPS.
On $25^ items.... when I see the address is a Freight Forwarder.

ittybitnot

·1 year ago

18 View listings

I've seen some sellers say they were going to try adding Signature Required to their FF deliveries to try and combat that,

@jonathanbrightlight

USPS, when they are in the "no scanning" mode for delivery, USPS ignores that signature requirement as well. They won't entertain inquiries as to where the package might be (see screenshot in message #8 by @wirkaholic). In addition, they won't pay out on insurance claims for lost packages either, due to sending it to a "third party shipper". I have yet to see any "third party shipper rules" on USPS. com., they just do it.

eBay's stance is that the regular eBay rules still apply i.e. no delivery scan, seller loses INR, buyer gets free stuff.

Some sellers decided to ship to forwarders using UPS only. Have not heard any complaints with that on the boards, but you never know.

bdmh-enterprises

·1 year ago

4743 View listings

@jonathanbrightlight wrote:
@kensgiftshop wrote:
That's a problem with some of the freight forwarders, USPS not scanning as delivered.
Without that delivery scan, not much a seller can do right now.
I've seen some sellers say they were going to try adding Signature Required to their FF deliveries to try and combat that, have you heard if that works for anyone (or tried it yourself)?

I've only done a few over $100 that I required sig on but it was gotten every time. FL, DE and most recent in OR was actually picked up at a PO and signed R SHIPPER lol.

albertabrightalberta

·1 year ago

I can explain it to you but I can't understand it for you.104 View listings

@bdmh-enterprises wrote:

. FL, DE and most recent in OR was actually picked up at a PO and signed R SHIPPER lol.

OT from the OP but just thought I'd add this.

I had an order this week from a buyer in Korea. The FF address is in Englewood, NJ.

This is a first for me. (Not first freight forwarder; but first in NJ.) Evidently, ACI Express appears to forward to Asia.

gurlcat

·1 year ago

@albertabrightalberta wrote:
@bdmh-enterprises wrote:

. FL, DE and most recent in OR was actually picked up at a PO and signed R SHIPPER lol.
OT from the OP but just thought I'd add this.

I had an order this week from a buyer in Korea. The FF address is in Englewood, NJ.

This is a first for me. (Not first freight forwarder; but first in NJ.) Evidently, ACI Express appears to forward to Asia.

I've had tons of FF's in NJ, I would say almost as often as DE.
Now as for having an Asian buyer do their FF'ing through an East Coast company, I just had that for the first time just the other day (FF in DE, buyer in China). But what surprised me even more was (I think 2, maybe 3) Chinese buyers recently using EIS! Makes me wonder if something has caused FF prices to rise in CA and OR or some other change over there. Possibly tariff-related, but who knows.

wirkaholic

OP1 year ago

https://www.facebook.com/ebay#

@albertabrightalberta OMG! I just realized why I wasn't seeing it. I was using my store Facebook instead of my personal. I found it. Not enought coffee this morning.

Just a FYI in case anyone else does this....It won't show if your using a business facebook profile.

Thank you.

albertabrightalberta

·1 year ago

I can explain it to you but I can't understand it for you.104 View listings

It's there.

dolcetreasures

·1 year ago

4623 View listings

Open a case for that item with the PO, select reply by email.

Call the freight company providing the dispatch number from the shipping label. If they tell you the package arrived tell the buyer you spoke to so and so company and your package arrived to the freight facility.

Beyond that, these buyers already know they have a good chance of getting free items. Ebay will continue to play stupid.

kensgiftshop

·1 year ago

@dolcetreasures wrote:
Open a case for that item with the PO, select reply by email.

Call the freight company providing the dispatch number from the shipping label. If they tell you the package arrived tell the buyer you spoke to so and so company and your package arrived to the freight facility.

Beyond that, these buyers already know they have a good chance of getting free items. Ebay will continue to play stupid.

Opening a case with USPS won't do any good, they just tell you the package/address doesn't qualify.

short_circuit.lineman61

·1 year ago

606 View listings

@kensgiftshop wrote:
@dolcetreasures wrote:
Open a case for that item with the PO, select reply by email.

Call the freight company providing the dispatch number from the shipping label. If they tell you the package arrived tell the buyer you spoke to so and so company and your package arrived to the freight facility.

Beyond that, these buyers already know they have a good chance of getting free items. Ebay will continue to play stupid.

Opening a case with USPS won't do any good, they just tell you the package/address doesn't qualify.

I see this posted over and over, do a mail trace, give them some time, then do a missing mail, yada, yada, yada. None of it does anything

I have a idea for the USPS, in the days of AI and total automation just automate the response to late and missing mail, whatever you do when someone reports late or missing mail just have the system do that automatically after a certain time frame.

gurlcat

·1 year ago

Not sure if you're just talking about trace/missing mail on packages with FF addresses, or all missing packages. Other than FF packages, it is absolutely worth filing. I have used it many times, almost always with success, in fact I just got a package "unstuck" with it last week:

short_circuit.lineman61

·1 year ago

606 View listings

@gurlcat wrote:
Not sure if you're just talking about trace/missing mail on packages with FF addresses, or all missing packages. Other than FF packages, it is absolutely worth filing. I have used it many times, almost always with success, in fact I just got a package "unstuck" with it last week:

so if they have a way to "unstick" packages I wonder why they do not automate the process? Why does it take a report being filed? they have all the data, they know or should know what packages have quit moving.

gurlcat

·1 year ago

@short_circuit.lineman61 wrote:
@gurlcat wrote:
Not sure if you're just talking about trace/missing mail on packages with FF addresses, or all missing packages. Other than FF packages, it is absolutely worth filing. I have used it many times, almost always with success, in fact I just got a package "unstuck" with it last week:

so if they have a way to "unstick" packages I wonder why they do not automate the process? Why does it take a report being filed? they have all the data, they know or should know what packages have quit moving.

Because any facility could have umpteen thousand stuck packages in it at any given time. -Some portion of those wouldn't even get reported because there are lots of people who buy so much stuff online they don't even remember what is supposed to be on the way. Meanwhile those who care very much about their package's transit can file a search request. -Squeaky wheel gets the grease.
Screen Shot 2025-07-19 at 2.12.33 PM.png

albertabrightalberta

·1 year ago

I can explain it to you but I can't understand it for you.104 View listings

@short_circuit.lineman61 wrote:

so if they have a way to "unstick" packages I wonder why they do not automate the process? Why does it take a report being filed? they have all the data, they know or should know what packages have quit moving.

My guess (based on how it's worked for me also) is that items are stuck in a post office facility somewhere and when a report is filed, they're forced to review GPS and find where it was last located. That tells them where to search - behind machines, under boxes, etc.

wirkaholic

OP1 year ago

@dolcetreasures Yes, I tried to open one with USPS but this window poped up when I tried. I guess they know something but won't take responsibillity for it. They should at least mark it delivered. I did use another form to send a message to them about it. That Email Us link is a joke. Just as bad as here.

I will call the shipper today to see what I can find out.

Thanks for your suggestions. I appreciate it.

dolcetreasures

·1 year ago

4623 View listings

Yes, thatâ€™s what happens to all of us when we try opening a case with freight forwarders. This should be added to the case. These transactions are not supposed to be covered by any sort of buyers protections. You already know it was delivered so does the buyer. They are trying to commit friendly fraud. Iâ€™m sick of this already.

kensgiftshop

·1 year ago