Question About eBay's INR Shipping Claim Policy
Summary: sandersmike inquired about handling an Item Not Received (INR) claim on eBay, discussing whether to let eBay enforce a refund or to voluntarily refund a buyer when a package is delayed. lakefor94 advised to initiate the refund before eBay does to ensure reimbursement after delivery, provided the item was shipped within the handling time. ryry-jj added that purchasing the shipping label through eBay is necessary for reimbursement. sandersmike confirmed their understanding and shared details about the shipping timeline, while albertabrightalberta sought further clarification on the shipping details.
Hello,
First of all, thank you all for taking the time to read and assist me. Secondly, my question stems from this eBay policy: https://www.ebay.com/sellercenter/news/2025-september/inr-policy-updates
I have sent a buyer a package using an eBay Label that is currently delayed and processing at a USPS facility. If a buyer opens an INR claim, and I let it escalate so eBay forces the refund, will I be automatically reimbursed and have the defect removed once the tracking eventually updates to 'Delivered'?" Or if I decide to just issue a voluntary refund to the buyer once the INR claim is initiated, does that disqualify me from getting an eBay reimbursement if the package shows up late?
So, essentially what I'm asking is, do I need to let eBay force me to refund and allow the temporary defect or do I voluntarily refund it when the item not received claim is opened and avoid the defect altogether - which path do I take to be eligible for the eBay reimbursement?
Thank you again.
ryry-jj
·1 week agoyou also needed to have purchased the shipping label through eBay to be reimbursed in addition to shipping within your handling time. Tracking will need to show the item arrived after you sent the refund
lakefor94
·1 week ago@sandersmike when an INR is filed, a seller has to initiate the refund before eBay would do the refund. That way you get reimbursed right after the item is delivered.
This is assuming you shipped and item was scanned by the carrier within your handling time which is another requirement for reimbursement.
If eBay ends up refunding in your behalf, there is no reimbursement upon delivery.
sandersmike
OP1 week agoHi,
Thanks for the reply. Yes, the item sold on a Sunday and I shipping (and it was scanned) on Monday. So, if the INR claim is opened, upload the tracking, and go ahead & immediately voluntarily refund. Thank you again.
lakefor94
·1 week ago · EditedSounds like you definitely have a handle on this.
I had one in August that I refunded and was reimbursed by ebay upon delivery
albertabrightalberta
·1 week agoAre you saying it was just shipped this past Monday? So it hasn't even been a week? Or did you ship on a previous Monday?
What does the EDD (estimated delivery date) show? And what does tracking show?
sandersmike
OP1 week agoThank you for the reply.
Correct, this past Monday, so it hasn't been a week. My question was proactively information gathering.
The original EDD: Sep 30, 2026 - Oct 3, 2026
Now it says: "Delivery is taking longer than expected"
And: "Carrier has not provided an updated estimated delivery date."
So, I just became a little concerned.