USPS Insufficient Address Return to Sender Issues
I received a notice from eBay that an order I shipped via USPS Ground Advantage (using an eBay‑generated label) was being returned to me due to a USPS “Insufficient Address” issue.
I contacted the buyer with the tracking number and details and recommended that he cancel the order so he could update his address.
The buyer responded and apologized, and let me know that USPS does not deliver to his physical address. He said he attempted to cancel but was unable to, likely because the package is still in transit back to me.
He would like me to reship the item using UPS or FedEx, which I’m willing to do, but I’m concerned about getting a late shipment defect on my account if I resend it after it returns.
What are my options in this situation? This is the first time I’ve had a package returned immediately due to a buyer’s undeliverable address, and I want to make sure I handle it correctly and stay within eBay’s seller protection rules.
Thank you ever so much.
cardsforauction
·4 months agoI thought "Insufficient Address" meant that the address is incorrect
1786davycrockett
·4 months ago@crand.kathe
"I thought "Insufficient Address" meant that the address is incorrect "
Not necessarily -- it might be an apartment building, or a shopping center, or an office building with multiple businesses inside, or a trailer court -- or other possible "insufficiencies" as well.
1786davycrockett
·4 months ago@crand.kathe
"I received a notice from eBay that an order I shipped via USPS Ground Advantage (using an eBay‑generated label) was being returned to me due to a USPS “Insufficient Address” issue.
I contacted the buyer with the tracking number and details and recommended that he cancel the order so he could update his address."
After USPS (or FedEx or UPS or DHL or. . .) has attempted to make delivery, a buyer cannot "cancel" their order -- so don't suggest that option to any buyer.
Sellers do not receive "late shipment" defects against their accounts if the address provided by buyers is undeliverable, phony, incomplete or out-of-date -- it is the responsibility of the buyer to provide correct and up-to-date shipping addresses.
Once the item has been returned to you (and NOT before you have received it!), refund the buyer the selling price, minus the shipping charges, plus the additional 40 cent "selling fee" which eBay adds at the time of the purchase. If the buyer is still interested, advise the buyer to provide a better address; alternatively, you can relist the item with the shipping option of UPS or FedEx.
Or you can simply relist the item as you had previously posted it (with USPS), and permit other buyers the chance to purchase it.
Good luck.
kalyoth
·4 months agoOnce you receive it back, you have the option of refunding or not. The ineligible address, if shipped exactly as provided by ebay, constitutes delivery.
Do not reship. If they still want it, refund less shipping & fees & make them repurchase.
participatrophy
·4 months ago@crand.kathe
Buyer already voided his MBG coverage (which you should read btw) by using an undeliverable address at checkout. You're all good as far as eBay's concerned. Await its return, refund the price of the item after it arrives, relist it with FedEx or UPS added as a shipping option, direct the buyer to the new listing.
eoma689485
·4 months ago"USPS does not deliver to his physical address."
The United State Post Office is required to deliver to every address within the United States, and if the buyer has, let's say, a dog, bad porch steps, no mail box, unsafe sidewalk, etc., the USPS will send him a notice stating why they will no longer deliver to that address, and to pick up their mail at the Post Office.
Refund upon return, block buyer.
soh.maryl
·4 months agoInteresting information. Thanks for sharing.
powell-collectibles
·4 months agoIt might even be a rural location with no home mail delivery. Might be a new construction site that doesn't yet have mail service / is not on the mail route.
soh.maryl
·4 months agoSo how does this buyer get any of his mail if the USPS does not deliver to his physical address?
And, presumably he was aware of this situation when he placed his order with you. Does it not seem like something may be missing here?
When you get the package back, you can refund the buyer the item price, but not the shipping fee. Not so sure I'd be eager to let him buy again.