Buyer did not use return label sent to them

[old-corner-stamps]

A buyer started a return on May 28. eBay automatically approved it and asked us to send a return label by June 4. We sent a label on May 28.  However the buyer still used a return label from eBay and sent it to a wrong return address. The buyer showed us a screenshot showing eBay giving him options, like  “email a return label”; “cancel return”etc. And he chose “email a return label”. He did not mention at all he received our return label. 

I am just wondering what happened here? Why eBay asked us to send a return label by June 4 but still gave the buyer the option of using eBay’s return label. 

P.S. We submitted the return label through eBay website. It said label sent successfully.  

So what is going on there?   really confused.  If the buyer used eBay label, we will be charged at the end of the month for shipping. We don’t want to pay eBay for the shipping.

Have you seen this issue before?  Any solution. 

thanks.  

[postingid7659]

Your label has a tracking number.  Does the tracking show it was used?  If not then it will cancel out after a set period.  

Unfortunately you may still have to refund the buyer, as if you ask eBay to step in they will likely refund them on the basis they made an attempt to return, however awful it was.  

[lamber9347]

@old-corner-stamps Since buyer didn't use your return label it won't be scanned and will cancel out of the system, may take a while though. Your problem isn't the return label, you just lost your item if the address was not yours, which is what you are writing. So now you will have to refund the buyer and you didn't get the item returned to you. I'm sorry this happened in your case and you should inquire directly to eBay about it. You can contact them via their Facebook account. Best of luck to you....

[vintagecraze50]

What do you mean he sent it to the wrong return address? If they used a label generated by ebay it should have you’re correct return address. Please clarify.

[vintagecraze50]

Yeah, I was wondering if this is one of the scammer issues with the send the item back with an altered address. If it is this stuff has got to stop on here. Mail fraud.

[old-corner-stamps]

Thank you everyone for your immediate help. Sorry I did not explain the address issue.
The “correct” return address on the return label we sent to the buyer is the warehouse in another state. The address on the buyer’s label is my home address which is the default return address on my eBay account. 
I am going to contact eBay today and will keep you updated. 

[lacemaker3 · Accepted solution]

@old-corner-stamps, oh, OK. Dropshipping.

This is one of the pitfalls of dropshipping. It is often said to be the most difficult business model to try for online selling. Many buyers would only use the return address provided by eBay. I would.

You need to make sure that you have the correct return address on your account. If you only use one warehouse, then make that the return address. For sellers in this situation who use multiple locations, I think the best solution is to use one return address that they can access easily. Your home address would be a good choice. That way, you can get the item back and relist it (if it isn't defective) from there.

If the item is defective or damaged, then you can return it to the supplier if your dropshipping agreement allows for that.

[old-corner-stamps]

Thank you everyone! 

Quick update: I shipped the item to the warehouse today and will use the "resolution center" to get back the shipping fee (eBay charged me) if possible. I will keep you updated if I hear anything from eBay. 

P.S. eBay's customer service number 866-540-3229 is no long in use.  

[pjcdn2005]

You can't open a case in the resolution center for an ebay label.   If you were charged for a label by ebay that means that the buyer used it so you are responsible for paying for it. ebay won't get their money back for a used label.  

It's your responsibility to make sure that the correct return address is set up on your account. If you don't want ebay to automatically send your a buyer a label, then in your return policy you must set up that the buyer requests a RMA from you. That will give you a couple of days to send your own label before one is issued.

[jacgr2942]

i never got the package back with the earrings nor did i get 81.77 dollars back i got in touch with my bank i am out of that money i thought ebay was more honest i lost my money the earrings are somewhere in india  no help from your company they say the number is wrong on the label that came from you nobody but nobody wANTS to help me i think 81 dollars is a small amount i used ebay so much now no .  jgreer42@verizon.net 

[jacgr2942]

i did use your label jgreer 

[kh-vince]

Hi everyone,

Due to the age of this thread, it has been closed to further replies. Please feel free to start a new thread if you wish to continue to discuss this topic.

Thank you for understanding.