Item not received, but being returned?

[kerbel1]

Sorry in advance for the long post. Sold a lower cost item to a buyer, about $10, plus tax and shipping. Shipped March 8, miraculously made it to their locale on March 10, where it was “Out for Delivery “. Got the “No Secure Location Available” scan next. Then, 5 days later, on the 15th, there is a “Reminder to Reschedule Delivery” scan. So on the 19th, I get an INR case open. I update tracking, because obviously the person didn’t go pick up the item from the PO. Get a message back that it is being returned to me, but tracking is not reflecting this. Call eBay’s wonderfully helpful CS, and of course she says it is just opened, we will wait the 5 days for it to be escalated, it won’t reflect on me… First, with the scans showing, I was under the impression that it was considered delivered or out of my hands at this point. Second, if it is being returned, how long does USPS usually take? This is odd to me in all aspects, and being a low dollar amount seems like a small scam that no one will raise a stink over. It happens I guess. 

[cstpos]

@kerbel1I checked the USPS website, and it says USPS tracking and USPS priority mail are help at the PO for 15 days after the 1st delivery attempt. The No Secure Location is used if the item won't fit in the mailbox (the box could be stuffed with mail they haven't picked up yet or the item could be too big to fit) or if the carrier feels the item would be targeted by porch pirates.

What was the date the item was expected to arrive to the buyer? I'm not sure how many days' handling time you specify or what the estimated delivery date was or the purchase date.

I'm not sure about the "wait 5 days for it to escalate" advice. Did the PO send the message that the item was being returned to you, or the did the buyer send it? If the PO sent the message, I would probably just refund if I was getting ebay messages that my time was running out. It's hard to tell without being able to review the messaging.

And you're right, you fulfilled your end of the transaction, but it probably won't matter. I'd be more concerned if the buyer does escalate the return that ebay will charge you the $20 dispute resolution fee and refund the buyer.

[kerbel1]

So a final update: not long after I posted, the buyer received a refund from eBay. Not from my funds. The buyer claimed the item was on its way back. It has been over a month now and no item. So I feel deeply that this person was a scammer and knew exactly what they were doing. I realize that this didn’t cost me anything directly, but it actually costs us all in the end by increased fees and other costs that make up the profit structure. Just something to munch on!!