eBay

queenjunker2 · ‎06-11-2021

I sold a set of dinnerware and customer wants me to hold it for 6 weeks until she returns from overseas. Print shipping label now? Then keep it? Help!

nuclearomen · ‎06-11-2021

i would tell customer - no - just opening a big can of potential worms there.

The great truth is there isn't one
And it only gets worse since that conclusion...
...There is something about the rigid posture of a proper, authentic blind
As if extended arms reached to pass his blindness onto others.

titipeo · ‎06-11-2021

6 Weeks is far too long. I see that you mentioned on printing the label, even if customer complaint of item not received or no tracking, you still have the goods on your side, but, what about 6 weeks after, once you shipped the goods, client can compalin to paypal or ebay.

You have to really trust the customer for this to work.

lacemaker3 · ‎06-11-2021

@queenjunker2, this is a real catch-22.

Unfortunately, if you hold the item, your account will be dinged for not shipping on time. There's no way for eBay to take into account that the buyer asked you to wait.

I can think of two possible approaches, you can work with the buyer to see what they would prefer.

Buyer files a mail-hold request with USPS, and you ship it now by USPS. When it gets to the buyer's post office, the tracking should show that it is being held by request, and I believe that will be considered enough to prove delivery. eBay does accept "Attempted delivery", which is when they can't deliver for some reason, leave a note, and the package is then held at the post office for pickup.
Cancel the transaction with the reason "Buyer's request" and then relist it when the buyer is available to receive it. Then the buyer rebuys it. This way, you will lose the $0.30 fix cost part of the final value fees.

duffy4444 · ‎06-11-2021

Cancel the order and process a refund after politely telling the buyer "no, sorry... if the item is still available in 6 weeks, feel free to purchase it again".

You never know how a buyer will feel about the item after 6 weeks. They could just have a change of heart and decide against it. Then you have a return hassle on your hands if you already shipped it, and will be losing some money (especially double shipping costs), and potential loss of fees.

Cheers, Duffy