Buyer has item after I refunded because the USPS sucks

[0939.lauriem]

I sold a Nippon Tankard and it was literally lost for 3 weeks, according to the tracking. Buyer demanded a refund, so I gave it to her. Tracking finally shows it was delivered. What can I do now? She didnt open a case, but since ebay does nothing to protect sellers, I refunded her money. Am I screwed?

[donsdetour]

You could ask them to return it: but since you voluntarily refunded it they do not have to. Some will some wont.

If you encounter such again: and the item is worth it put in a intercept on the item (cost money to do so) and you might get your item back.

[slippinjimmy]

If you ask nicely perhaps the buyer will agree to repay you.

eBay will protect you from fraud but they won't protect you from yourself.

If the buyer agrees you can ask them for their PayPal email or you can give them yours (exchanging contact info is allowed if you have been involved in a recent transaction).

[7606dennis]

Why did you refund before the case was opened?  Personally, it sounds like you were played.

[0939.lauriem]

Yeah, I know. I should have just waited for her to open a case, but then cases against you affect selling. Plus negative feedback. I'm an idiot. 

[slippinjimmy]

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@7606dennis wrote:

Why did you refund before the case was opened?  Personally, it sounds like you were played.

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Played? How do you figure that? Package was MIA for three weeks, how long is a buyer supposed to wait for an order than would normally be delivered in 2 - 5 days?

[0939.lauriem]

Because she was complaining about it for two weeks, I jumped the gun on this one. I'm an idiot.

[0939.lauriem]

Thats probably the truth

[7606dennis · Accepted solution]

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@slippinjimmy wrote:

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@7606dennis wrote:

Why did you refund before the case was opened?  Personally, it sounds like you were played.

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Played? How do you figure that? Package was MIA for three weeks, how long is a buyer supposed to wait for an order than would normally be delivered in 2 - 5 days?

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The buyer should have opened an INR dispute as per procedure under the MBG.  Now that the item has been delivered you can ask the buyer to either repay or return the item.  If the buyer is unwilling to do either, I believe that they played you.

[oneblindcat]

You're not an idiot, you're a decent person who tried to do right by a customer and got hurt.

It happens. Just remember and drive on.

[vintage-camerastuff]

Yea you are screwed unless the buyer is a decent human being and makes another payment.   You won't find out unless you ask.

[0939.lauriem]

Yeah, it wasnt big money, but I'm **bleep** because I let my fear of bad feedback get to me. sigh

[donsdetour]

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@0939.lauriem wrote:

Because she was complaining about it for two weeks, I jumped the gun on this one. I'm an idiot.

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Not so. If no movement and eBay had of found for them: even with delivery after a decision was made you would not have a recourse; the method you used saved your metrics.

The purchaser may assist you and may not: such is not on you but them.

Do remember the intercept option if such happens again.

[baantiques]

You can ask her to pay, but don't hold your breath.  

Other than that, next time you can try to recall the package and have it delivered back to you.  I've done that.

Also, ship FedEx or UPS instead of USPS.

[1tuna]

INR cases do not really affect much at all

it works like this for me....the buyer can insist on a resolution for a slow package

I say fine..............just file for it and you will get a refund pretty quick

no harm no foul when you do not make them wait

ebay is not really involved either since its just a fast INR that gets resolved in less than 24 hours without ebay stepping into it

if a buyer tells me the item is late I say put it on the record......its not that big a deal 

this lets ebay be aware that a buyer might be a source of trouble if they keep doing it

otherowse how is ebay supposed to know wheat really goig on