Free shipping not applicable on sent item. USPS holding item waiting for payment.

[gypsynet]

Notice came from local USPS that they were holding package shipped to me waiting for required shipping payment.  Item was paid for and free shipping was included.  The PO notice said postage due $136.15.  After talking to them they said the 2 express boxes were doubled up and taped together.  The PO also stated the shipping was suspicious.  Contacted the shipper and was told they have shipped same item before with no problem.  I obviously had to refuse the shipment and the shipper said send it back.  I said it will cost you and he said "return to sender is free.  How long do I wait for refund before I take action?

p s.  The item cost half the amount of the postage due!

[1786davycrockett]

@gypsynet 

You should be able to open up an "item not received" case, after the post office has shipped the item back to the seller, based upon the seller's shipping with insufficient postage.

This from the eBay Money Back Guarantee rules -- 

https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/ebay-money-back-guarantee-policy/ebay-money-back-guarantee-policy...

The buyer refused delivery of the item

Covered: The item arrived with shipping cost still owing because the seller didn't apply enough postage

[kensgiftshop]

@gypsynet 

Open an Item Not Received case for due postage.

Return To Sender might be free, but the seller will have to pay USPS the due postage to get their item back.

[christworks]

"Free shipping not applicable on sent item. "

To clear up any confusion you may have, whenever you see "free" shipping on an item, the seller does not get to ship that item for free. Carriers don't ship things for free, for anybody! Free shipping is a marketing gimmick that works with certain buyers who have come to expect they do not have to pay for shipping. The reality is they do, as long as the seller understands they must include the cost to ship in with the cost of the item. Some sellers, especially new ones, don't get this. I don't know if that is the case with your seller or not. I have seen listings for large items (e.g. 40" tall blow molds) where they are selling the item for $50 and $10 shipping. Either the seller is trying to pull a fast one or they are going to be really shocked when they go to ship. 

USPS will send that back to the seller if you do not pick it up. Talk to the seller and ask them to refund you once USPS has sent it back. If they refuse or want to wait until they have it back, go ahead and open the case. You've at least given them the chance to do the right thing. 

Next time you see "free shipping," do the match and ask yourself if the buyer is charging enough for the item to cover the shipping costs. If not, I'd avoid buying from them.