Shipping to a transit company
I have shipped a package to a transit company in the United States for a person living in China. (I was under the impression that he lived in the U.S., since the package was going to a U.S. state). After I sent the item, I informed the buyer that a signature would be needed when he received it. He then wrote to me stating that it was a transit company. I informed him several days later that the package was delivered and signed for and our transaction was now completed. Should I be worried about a "chargeback" from him? I did complete the transaction and it was delivered and signed for.
I have another sale pending from another person from China which is also going to a transit company. Should I be concerned?
7 comments
soh.maryl
·3 years agoIt's a freight forwarder. There are many in the US. They enable an international buyer to complete purchases with sellers who don't ship outside the US. The seller is only responsible for getting the package to the FF's address.
an-57470
·3 years ago"It's a freight forwarder. There are many in the US. They enable an international buyer to complete purchases with sellers who don't ship outside the US. The seller is only responsible for getting the package to the FF's address. "
WRONG!
The buyer can file a complaint with their bank, credit card, payment processor entirely separate from any of the empty promises eBay is giving you.
Not simply a freight forwarder. Many will repack your items. Items get stolen or misplaced when they are repacked. Also some buyers don't use reshipping companies for this. I had a person living in Canada simply use a address of a friend or family in the U.S., where then pick up the items.
If you like to play Russian Roulette then by all means ship the item and roll the dice.
Blocked regions in your eBay preferences and / or listings only block the shipping address and not the seller's physical location. This is intentional deception by eBay because all eBay is concerned about is making their commission and not your safety.
You need to state in your listings that:
All buyers must live within the U.S.
All buyers must have a U.S. shipping address.
You do not ship to addresses outside the U.S.
You do not ship to reshipping companies.
You do not ship to third party addresses (i.e., they want you to ship the item as gift to someone).
These buyers will still be able to bypass your settings and stated TOS, but now there is no valid sales contract as they violated your terms. Any feedback they leave will be removed by eBay. Protect yourself - eBay is not going to protect you.
toysaver
·3 years agoThe plot thickens.... Just curious with the signature added for shipping does the status show as delivered or shipped in your orders section? Is this why there is no longer a 'delivered' status... an attempt to get sellers to add this $3 fee to drum up profits for shippers.
carolorl
OP3 years agoHi, I do have a notice from the post office that the package was shipped, delivered at that address, and signed for.
titipeo
·3 years agoThese "transit" companies are actually forwarders that will re-ship the item to its actual intended destination. Foreign buyers use them when they find sellers that do not ship to their country, or perhaps they find it cheaper to use the forwarders services as oppose to eBay's foreign shipping service. As far as eBay is concerned, your responsibility and coverage is to deliver goods to the address given on sale order, so you are good. Regarding chargebacks, well, that's a whole different game and we should be worried.
carolorl
OP3 years agoWonder what would happen if I got a chargeback. Does ebay automatically return the money or do they create a case and consult the seller? Anyway, do you think it is a good idea if I add on my future listings that I do not sell to international individuals and do not mail to transfer companies...just a thought. Just wondering what you think about this. Thanks for your help.
stuff4divas
·3 years ago@carolorl I've shipped to freight forwarders plenty of times over the last 12 years without a problem. They are great customers.
As far as chargebacks, if its opened for item not rec'd, just insert the tracking number to prove it was delivered. Delivery to the FF is all that is required, as already posted by others.
If you can afford to have less sales by not selling internationally, then don't. I've sold to int'l buyers for over 10 years with much success. About 40% of my sales are int'l.
The below info taken from this link> https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/ebay-money-back-guarantee-policy/ebay-money-back-guarantee-policy?id=4210&st=12&pos=5&query=eBay%20Money%20Back%20Guarantee%20policy&intent=frieght%20forward&docId=HELP1238#section11
Exclusions and special coverage when the buyer doesn't receive an item
Items collected by a third party on behalf of the buyer
Not covered
The buyer arranged their own shipping method, such as a courier pickup
Not covered
The buyer provided an invalid or incorrect address at checkout
Not covered
The item was sent to another address after original delivery
Covered:
Not covered:
Good Luck!