Is it possible to manipulate USPS tracking to stall at "In transit" ?

[unchainedjames]

Is it possible to manipulate USPS tracking to stall at "In transit"? 

This happened to me with an order I sent out. The tracking was stuck at "In transit" for a good while. At least two weeks. I figured it was stuck in the USPS pipeline but the buyer was messaging asking where it was. I said probably stuck in the mail maybe due to covid. Eventually the buyer opened a return case. I told him I would refund in three days if still no movement. Three days went by so I refunded the buyer. (Don't want the dreaded negative feedback) Right after I refunded him (checked the next day) BEHOLD its on it's way according to the tracking. 

Granted maybe it was stuck in the mail and the timing didn't work out..But I noticed the buyer's Feedbacks are Private and I can't check the "feedbacks left for others" So i can't tell if that may have been used in the past as leverage for getting away with "Item not received" claims. I'm going to eat the cost. Lesson learned. But has anything like this ever happen to anyone?

[corvettestainless]

Not possible; only USPS has access. Did you check the number on the USPS website (sometimes eBay's is not up to date)

[ainpie-10]

I’ve had several items stuck in transit! It’s very frustrating! I message my buyers and keep them updated! I agree that ebays tracking can be different so I check on the USPS and Fed Ex tracking to see just where those items are at that moment bc a lot of times there are lags!

[buyselljack2016]

Happens all the time.

"in transit" is just an automatic event code that populates when an actual scan does not happen in a designated amount of time.

I understand a buyer getting antsy when nothing happens for 2 weeks.

You could have filed a "missing/lost" mail report. If refunding the buyer you could direct the item to be returned to you if found. May, or may not work.

A good buyer would now be repaying for the delivered item.

[fashionandform]

you can open a case online with USPS- they will investigate and get back to you in a few days. you can email your buyer with case number and let them know you have taken formal action. usually it is stuck somewhere and starting a case gets it moving again.

[dirk12955]

This happens on a fairly regular basis.    When it has happened to me in the past,   I  just file with the USPS for "Missing mail" and usually it pops up somewhere and gets delivered.     Sometimes items get delivered with out a scan to even prove that delivery even happened.  

[landmarkjanette]

Have had it happen a few times generally because the item didn’t get scanned.Like others said try checking the USPS FEDX or ? sites.We can file lost package claims ,however per ebay if they file a claim against you, you have to refund them.Doesnt seem realistic to have to pay for the mails inability to deliver, however if the package is lost you can refund the recover your money by filing

[mdw13]

Only if it stays "lost."  If eBay makes you refund and then it miraculously starts moving again, you are just out everything.  Thanks eBay!

[mdw13]

You've gotten responses to lost mail inquiries "in a few days"?  The last time I filed one, I didn't get a response until 10 weeks later, long after I had filed an insurance claim and received a check.