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. 

[stainlessenginecovers]

How is this any type of scam?? Buyer either didn't get a paper telling them to pick up, or didn't check their mail. Either way, they went through the trouble of logging on, finding an item, paying for an item- all for some type of scam? 

How long does USPS take to do what? They give the receiver X amount of time to pick it up, after X days, they return it to the seller. There is no time limit on either. 

[fern*wood]

I don't always check on my tracking, but a couple times I have caught that notation.  I always email my buyer to let them know, just in case they didn't see it themselves or get a notification from the mail carrier.  It has always worked out and the buyer usually thanks me for letting them know & go pick it up.  If a package is being returned, the time it takes will vary.  Some shipping methods take a lot longer than others.  Not much of a scam in my mind.

[kerbel1]

You don’t have to be snarky. I am asking a legit question, as I have seen posts regarding this type of scan before on packages. If the package is actually being returned, then hey, we’re all good. But I have no proof of that. There is absolutely nothing in the system that says it is, only what the buyer is saying. What I was asking is, how long do return packages usually take the USPS to get back? I know it is much slower as they are at the bottom of the priority list, so will this case be closed against me before it returns? I don’t know, I have never faced this scenario, even selling for years. 

[kerbel1]

I didn’t catch it until they opened the case unfortunately. I had strep throat last week (thought that was a kids’ virus, ooohhh no!) so was down and out. It did say notice was left though, so I am not sure what happened. 

[fern*wood]

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@kerbel1 wrote:

I didn’t catch it until they opened the case unfortunately. I had strep throat last week (thought that was a kids’ virus, ooohhh no!) so was down and out. It did say notice was left though, so I am not sure what happened. 

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Sorry to hear that.  I've heard that can be really nasty.   I probably wouldn't have caught that one either, since it was a low dollar item.  It seems you should win the case, though, since it shows attempted delivery.   What was the shipping method?  They usually show up on the tracking if it is indeed coming back.

[albertabrightalberta]

In ebay-land, packages that aren't claimed or have invalid/undeliverable addresses are considered delivered and you should win an INR case. 

If the item is ultimately returned to sender, the right thing to do would be to refund the buyer the amount of the item, deducting the shipping cost you paid for the label. 

Scroll down:

https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/ebay-money-back-guarantee-policy/ebay-money-back-guarantee-policy...

[wrong66]

Snarky? Sorry, I don't see it.

[stainlessenginecovers]

I'm not being snarky; I asked you how it was a scam. A scam is usually planned, and with everything I stated the buyer had to do, as well as every other thread on this forum states everything is scam, when it's not- so I asked. 

Regarding being 'sent back' or the 'buyer not seeing or getting a 'it's at the post office' note- is a legit answer. 

[m60driver]

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@kerbel1 wrote:

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? 

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First, if the package was unable to be delivered or was failed to be picked up then you are in the clear.   You will be able to refund less all your expenses once you receive the item back.  Second, return mail takes the slow boat and can take 2-3 weeks.

[pjcdn2005]

Get a message back that it is being returned to me,

Did the buyer open a return request or was it just a message from the post office or buyer?

[kerbel1]

Of course I will refund the buyer, less shipping. I was just wondering if the INR case would close before it got back to me. I am sure it will, if it takes 2-3 weeks. 

[kerbel1]

Thank you, it was nasty. Seems since we stayed in because of COVID my immune system has taken some hits! 
I just used USPS First Class; it was a small 4 oz package. Not sure that my little 4x8 bubble mailer will make it in one piece but we shall see, lol.

[kerbel1]

Thank you. 🙂

[kerbel1]

Not quite sure what happened there, went to reply and it decided you were the winner!! Haha! Well, to answer, they opened an INR. The PO left them a notice.