eBay

acslax10 · ‎08-24-2021

I am a seller who usually only ships to the U.S. or Canada. Last month I sold a trading card and the buyer was from France (he did contact me prior to bidding asking if I would ship there). I sent him an invoice for shipping and handling using eBay's international shipping program ($16) and he paid immediately. Item was shipped on time with estimated delivery between 8/15 and 8/23.

Buyer messages me today (8/24) saying he received the card, but was unhappy with the amount he needed to pay for customs (I reported the value of the actual purchase when creating the shipping label). I guess he didn't realize how much it might be. He said he needs a refund, but has not yet formally requested one through ebay.

My listing had "no refunds" on it, so I believe the new trading card policy is that he has 3 calendar days to request a qualified refund. I don't plan on responding to his message at this point since he hasn't opened a formal return request.

My question is this: The tracking through eBay does not yet show the item as delivered. If he requests a refund for non-delivery will this be an issue? He acknowledged receipt via ebay message but I'm not sure if that is enough.

I'm inclined to not issue a refund because the item was as described, was shipped on time, he received it, and it's not my problem that he didn't take customs into account. The card value has decreased substantially since I sold it, so if I was forced to accept a return I'd be losing a decent amount of money on the transaction. Thanks.

fab_finds4u · ‎08-24-2021

In International Purchases and Shipping for Buyers policy eBay says

It is the buyer'sresponsibility to check which customs and import charges apply, and to pay them. You might want to point out that sellers aren't required to furnish customs charges or to know when they apply. Maybe you should send them here or send a link to this post.

asset_liquidators · ‎08-24-2021

First mistake was shipping international. You had it right the first time by not doing international. I quit doing it 15 years ago. It is nothing but a headache.

Customs fees are charged to HIM by HIS country. That is between him and HIS government. This is one of the main reasons I quit shipping outside the U.S.

I would do just as you are and not respond to him unless a return request is actually opened.

48hrs-clothing · ‎08-24-2021

Highly unlikely that buyer will open an INR case and if he does then upload tracking on the case and in comments state buyer has messaged confirming receipt and eBay have additional tools that they use to track shipments and they will see that item has been delivered.

Re: Refund

It is correct that Vat and any other charges levied by French customs are on buyer's account and I also note your comments regarding substantial decrease in value of item you sold.

With this in mind you may consider paying some part of charges that buyer did not realise he would have to pay and this may result in no return and a happy buyer.

pjcdn2005 · ‎08-27-2021

Was the buyer charged VAT by eBay when they made the purchase? There have been reports that the EU is often charging it again because the systems to report it aren't set up for all countries yet so they may be complaining if they had to pay VAT twice. I'm not sure of the solution though as this wasn't your fault or the buyer's fault.

As far as delivery...check to see if delivery shows on the following website...

https://parcelsapp.com/en/carriers/easyship