Buyer dodging $950+ item sent signature-verified USPS priority

[allegheny_dulcimer_and_coin]

A buyer with a long but sparse transaction history bid up a coin to $950. USPS has made two attempts to deliver, with no one there to sign for it. Buyer hasn't responded to our communication via eBay.

How should I proceed? 

[stainlessenginecovers]

Eventually they (carrier) will return it to you; then refund the customer. You can also look at the 'order' info (click blue number shown) and you can see their phone number; try calling?

[bashort]

It should be held at the post office for 15 days waiting for your buyer to pick it up, then it should be returned to you.

It gets tricky because you will not have valid delivery tracking.

What does the tracking show?

[mr_lincoln]

@allegheny_dulcimer_and_coin   eBay considers the "Attempted" deliveries the same as a Delivered item in case the Buyer eventually files an Item not received claim.

For now wait to see what happens.  USPS will make a certain number of attempts to deliver and then return the shipment to you. 

Check the item on your Sold list and see if the Second chance offer choice is there.  If so, when you get the item back you can offer it to the next highest bidder at their highest bid.

For the original Buyer use the Report Buyer link on the Sold item and advise eBay that delivery with signature required failed.  You can then refund the Buyer less any out of pocket expenses you incurred.

Mr. L

[stainlessenginecovers]

As far as what it will show; it will show 'attempted delivery'. You are covered in service metrics for it not being delivered. 

[allegheny_dulcimer_and_coin]

Thanks! There is a phone number on the order. Hadn't noticed that before. Not eager to use it but I suppose that's the first step at this juncture. 

The last entry in the tracking info is from Jan 12th, and says "No Authorized Recipient Available". 

I just don't understand why someone would bid up a high-end coin, pay for it, then seemingly go out of their way not to receive it -- unless of course it is health/pandemic related.  Buyer's remorse makes no sense because we have a return policy -- although I suppose he's liable for the return postage. 

Surely if the buyer picks it up at the post office, the tracking info will reflect that ... won't it?

[mr_lincoln · Accepted solution]

@allegheny_dulcimer_and_coin 

One of 2 things will happen, it will either be delivered or returned to you.  Again, for now just wait.  Nothing can happen with USPS until Tuesday the 18th at this point.  You can call the Buyer if you want or let the system just run its course ... and don't spend the money yet ...

Mr. L

[hawkwind5454]

Keep in mind it is no perfect world, and possibly your buyer had a sudden emergency pop up which makes him unavailable. For now, you kind of have to give him the benny of the doubt. In instances like this, Google Earth is your friend. Look up his address. You'll be able to pull up a street view of where this is being sent to. Does it show anything sketchy, or complicated with the address? That might give you some clues. Just a random example: Someone living in a tar paper shack is probably not going to be spending $950 on a coin.