Confusion over payment holds due to zip code mismatch.

[nichsch_4571]

I've been notified that I have a payment hold because the delivered zip code doesn't match the buyer's zip code.

I did some searching around and I think figured out why: The zip code provided by the buyer is listed as a unique zip code belonging to a company or organization. These zip codes do not show up on zip code maps. The zip that it was delivered to, as shown on USPS tracking, is the "regular" non-unique zip code that covers that area and street address.

But what I'm confused about is the massage about the hold stating "We’ll need to hold your payment until we can confirm the buyer received the item. Your payment will be available on [DATE REDACTED], but you’ll get it sooner if we can confirm delivery before then."

The message seems to state that I won't get the money until it's confirmed that the buyer got it, but it will be released by the given date

But the issue I have is that I messaged the buyer about this issue (yes I know, in hindsight that may not have been a good idea, but what's done is done), and did not receive any response. I checked their feedback page and saw another seller complained that they never responded to messages on a different matter.

So, if this is a person who doesn't respond to messages, what happens if they don't respond to eBay's inquiries on whether they received the item i.e. ebay doesn't get confirmation one way or the other?

It was a low-price item, but I'm still concerned how this will affect the standing of my account, since I'm a new and small-time seller.

[mam98031]

Where did you get the idea that the zip code was the problem?  From the one statement from the email you got from ebay that you posted above, it doesn't say anything about the buyer's zip code.  

It is far more likely it is due to you being a new seller.  So what made you think it was the zip code that was an issue?

This is the policy that they are likely telling you about.

https://pages.ebay.com/seller-center/service-and-payments/funds-availability.html

https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/getting-paid/getting-paid-items-youve-sold/pending-payments?id=415...

[nichsch_4571]

The first part of the message said "The item was delivered to a zip code that doesn’t match the buyer’s zip code." I checked the zip codes, and the USPS tracking shows it being delivered to a different zip code than the one given on the shipping label. I left that part out because that part isn't my concern; it's the part that is unclear about when (or if) I will get my payment.

Another item, which was sold and delivered after this one to a different buyer has no holds.

[nichsch_4571]

EDIT: I should have said, the full message says "The item was delivered to a zip code that doesn’t match the buyer’s zip code. We’ll need to hold your payment until we can confirm the buyer received the item. Your payment will be available on [DATE REDACTED], but you’ll get it sooner if we can confirm delivery before then."

[mam98031 · Accepted solution]

OK, it sounds like that shipment had a unique problem.  But be aware that sometime very soon Ebay will start holding your money per the policy I gave you a link to above.  Try to prepare yourself the best you can for that.  Sometimes the first few transactions to process as normal and then this kicks in.  So try to be prepared as it should happen very soon.

[stuff4divas]

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@nichsch_4571 wrote:

EDIT: I should have said, the full message says "The item was delivered to a zip code that doesn’t match the buyer’s zip code. We’ll need to hold your payment until we can confirm the buyer received the item. Your payment will be available on [DATE REDACTED], but you’ll get it sooner if we can confirm delivery before then."

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So does the tracking number show 'delivered'?

[nichsch_4571]

Yes. It shows it was delivered, just to a different zip code.

[nichsch_4571]

I've made enough sales that I actually got past that initial period of holding funds until the item is delivered. But would this, then be the result of the delivery problem? I suspect the buyer actually got the item, after I looked into the situation with the zip code.

[mam98031]

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@nichsch_4571 wrote:

I've made enough sales that I actually got past that initial period of holding funds until the item is delivered. But would this, then be the result of the delivery problem? I suspect the buyer actually got the item, after I looked into the situation with the zip code.

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I'm not sure that is accurate.  But then I don't actually remember if it is for 10 or 25 transactions either.  But either way, you have 8 feedback and 10 sales.  So if the counts is 10 then you are very close, you are correct.

[nichsch_4571]

I think it's 10. I think my profile is only showing sales from the last 90 days, since I know I've had more sales than that, 26 from the records I'm keeping on my computer.

[mam98031]

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@nichsch_4571 wrote:

I think it's 10. I think my profile is only showing sales from the last 90 days, since I know I've had more sales than that, 26 from the records I'm keeping on my computer.

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The sales in the last 90 days is what counts for this particular situation.

[nichsch_4571]

Ah, okay. I thought it was total sales. It's slowed down lately since I've mainly been selling off my old video game collection, which is mostly gone by now.

[mam98031]

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@nichsch_4571 wrote:

Ah, okay. I thought it was total sales. It's slowed down lately since I've mainly been selling off my old video game collection, which is mostly gone by now.

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You need to read the policy.  It says nothing about total lifetime sales on Ebay.  

If you find that sales are too slow for you right now, leading into Christmas.  Try again right after Christmas.  Sales are typically really good starting on the 26th.  I've always thought it was people that got some money for Christmas and come to spend it or some that didn't get what they really wanted for Christmas and come to find it.  I can tell you that in all the years I've been on Ebay that the week after Christmas and January of the new year are my strongest times to sell every year.

Good Luck.

[nichsch_4571]

I will put some new listings up after Christmas, partly because there are other things I'm working on. The few unsold listings I have left are not popular titles anyway, and I've found other games like that are slow to sell.

[mam98031]

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@nichsch_4571 wrote:

I will put some new listings up after Christmas, partly because there are other things I'm working on. The few unsold listings I have left are not popular titles anyway, and I've found other games like that are slow to sell.

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I think that is a good plan.  And keep in mind that those hard to move titles may do better when you list them with a bunch of other listings.  More variety for the buyers to look at.  Or maybe putting them together into a lot and sell them that way.

I hope you have a wonderful Holiday season.