Global Shipping Program confiscation of item

[1211sutter]

I purchased a compact (vintage, with mirror) from the U.K. (I am in the U.S.) through eBay’s Globsl Shipping Program. I just got a notice that my item was “restricted” and that therefore I would get a refund and further that the seller would not be getting the item back. It was made of metal. There is of course no recourse for the seller or me. Just a warning. You might want to consider not using the GSP.

[itscalledapostingid · Accepted solution]

When the issue comes up Ebay quickly refunds the buyer with ebay's own funds and the seller doesn't have to deal with the item's return.

I don't see that as a bad thing.

That's another good reason for me to use the program.

[ittybitnot]

When the issue comes up Ebay quickly refunds the buyer with ebay's own funds and the seller doesn't have to deal with the item's return.

@itscalledapostingid 

The SELLER is in the UK.  In the UK, it is my understanding that they still use the Global Shipping Program.  I don't think it works the same way as the newer program we have in the US for international sales (eBay International Shipping).  Maybe it does though, and the seller gets to keep their money, too.  That would be a good thing. 

 I just got a notice that my item was “restricted” and......

@1211sutter 

What party "restricted" it?   eBay?  Their shipping program?  Is it an item not allowed to be sent to the US? 

[itscalledapostingid]

I don't remember hearing of any seller losing the item and the money in a situation like this with GSP.

I have seen several examples like this on the community where the seller kept the money and ebay refunded the buyer themselves. This one's from 2017:

https://community.ebay.com/t5/Selling/Done-with-Global-Shipping-Program-confiscating-my-items/td-p/2...

[1211sutter]

The item was a metal  mirrored compact. As far as I know this kind of item does not have any restrictions in it in any country so I can’t understand why this happened. I have read that Pitney Bowes runs the GPS  and they decide what is restricted. Who gets the compact? I also read that some of these confiscated items get resold for pennies on the dollar. I don’t know how accurate this info is but I may consider not using GPS ( or whatever they call it now.) Why a 2” metal compact? Others have had happen to them with no reason why their item is confiscated and I’m not just talking about ivory. Just sharing my experience for others to do with what they like. eBay should be more upfront with their explanations. I feel there is something off with this.

[1211sutter]

This is what they wrote to me:

“The item in question has been deemed restricted. This could be due to import/shipping restrictions or eligibility requirements within the Global Shipping Program. The item will not be shipped to you nor returned to your seller.”

In the link you sent to me one story is about a sellers glass decanters being confiscated. He described them as priceless. Why? Lots of unanswered questions. Now I know why sellers refuse to use eBay’s international shipping. 

[itscalledapostingid]

Maybe the item was made in an embargoed country or something. Even antiques from countries on the embargo list are not allowed to be imported into the US. The GSP and the new EIS program both preemptively halt shipments when they see a potential customs problem. Of course they could have made a mistake. They happen.  Sounds like you were refunded so that's good at least.

[toysaver]

Was it empty?  Any sort of unidentifiable powder substance that has an odor will be destroyed.  

45 Other Restricted Materials | Postal Explorer (usps.com)

[1211sutter]

Thank you for the answer. I still would very much like to know why the shipper (Pitney Bowes?) decided that a metal makeup compact is “restricted.” I have heard that eBay resells the item. Is this true? It would be nice to get an answer from eBay once in a while.

[1211sutter]

I don’t have any idea why a metal make up compact is not allowed to enter the U.S. i was told Pitney Bowes or the shipper whoever that is makes the decisions. I have heard eBay gets the item and sells it (on Reddit.) I don’t know if this is true. It’s weird to me. Never can get any answers from eBay.

[1211sutter]

A 2 inch metal mirrored compact? Potential customs problem? Seems a bit odd to me. eBay would have no choice but to refund the buyer in order to keep the their program running. 

[1211sutter]

Yes, it was empty.

[1211sutter]

It was very empty. How could they possibly know anyway even if it contained something unless they opened the package? The seller would not have written “old makeup” on the form as the compact was empty. 

[dbfolks166mt]

     Do you by chance have the item number? Did the confiscation take place in the UK or when it entered the US? What does the tracking show?

[toysaver]

"How could they possibly know anyway even if it contained something unless they opened the package?"

They open anything suspicious, that is their job.  Even a slight dusting of residual powder could be alarming.  It doesn't take much for explosives and poisons to kill and they will always err on the side of safety.