Return no longer tracking
Hi! First time having a return. It was shipped back to me, but has stopped tracking. The deadline to have the buyer refunded is tomorrow. What should I do as I haven’t received the item?
kayp702
Posted Sep 8, 2026 at 4:48 PM · Edited Sep 8, 2026 at 4:48 PM·Last reply Sep 8, 2026 at 10:09 PM
10 comments
mam98031
·Sep 8, 2026 at 10:09 PMThere are things a seller should do immediately when they see that a package is not moving like it should. A seller should do this even if the buyer has not reached out to them with a delivery issue or filed and INR. In your case, because your return package stopped tracking.
First go to USPS and call up the tracking number.
https://tools.usps.com/tracking/
Once you call up the information, now sign up for the UPDATES you can get via Email. This act alone for some reason will shake a package loose from time to time. IDK why, but it has been known to happen.
After you take care of this. Now go and file for a TRACE on the package. You can file these after your package is delayed more than 7 days.
https://www.usps.com/help/missing-mail.htm
It will typically take USPS 48-72 hours to reach out with an update.
femmefan1946
·Sep 8, 2026 at 5:17 PMSend the buyer a Message that you have not yet received the shipment. That puts it on a record eBay can see. Include the tracking number.
kayp702
OPSep 8, 2026 at 5:58 PMThank you! I did send the buyer a screenshot of the tracking showing that the item hasn’t moved since August 28. Thank you!
thriftyfiftyfifty
·Sep 8, 2026 at 4:57 PMYour deadline to Refund/Take Action on a Return that has been shipped back to you within required timelines STARTS when it is in a Delivered status.
kayp702
OPSep 8, 2026 at 5:01 PMOk! Thank you so much! I was a bit nervous because I haven’t received it yet and it stopped tracking on Aug 28.
thriftyfiftyfifty
·Sep 8, 2026 at 5:10 PM@kayp702 Assuming the Tracking was uploaded INTO the Return and eBay can see it? Hopefully it wasn't one of those where the Buyer did it on their own and messaged you the Tracking.
femmefan1946
·Sep 8, 2026 at 5:18 PMWouldn't that be better for the seller since the buyer cannot prove either shipping or delivery?
But I agree that the delivery has to come before refund.
thriftyfiftyfifty
·Sep 8, 2026 at 5:27 PM@femmefan1946 Yes...but I also don't know what the OP is looking at to assume a Refund Deadline date...some other circumstance maybe. Just trying to keep it simple.
kayp702
OPSep 8, 2026 at 5:58 PMThe buyer used the shipping label provided by EBay, so the tracking info is there.
thriftyfiftyfifty
·Sep 8, 2026 at 6:08 PMGood deal...