Item not received cases, appeals, extensions for case decisions, USPS

[orangegroveroad]

I just got off the phone with ebay merchant support.  With all cases of items not received, protect yourself.  Always ship with tracking, no matter how small the package.  The minute a case is filed, sign up for tracking alerts with usps.  File a USPS domestic claim, even if a warning pops up that you have not allowed enough time to pass for alost package. SHIP ON TIME!  You should then message ebay and file for an extension before a buyer can open a case. You can ask for 3,  5, or ten days if you shipped on time.

Answer all disputes immediately, and communicate with the buyer.  remain calm.  99.9% of the time package shows up if you do those things.  But you are covered up to $100 if you ship with USPS, assuming value is less.  Review a buyer's feedback when a case is opened. Look for negative patterns.  If a buyer's item arrives after they get paid through an ebay case, file an appeal immediately.  Ebay will take care of you if you follow policy, don't give up.  File a police report if buyer stops communicating, won't return item, etc.

There are unethical buyers out there taking advantage of the system.  Maybe they work for the postal system, or a friend or family member does.  Always ask them to confirm their shipping address, have them answer about any vacation holds, temporary forwarding etc.  Insure you ship the package securely from leaks, breakage.   

I signed up for free returns the minute that program started.  It has protected me from buyer shenanigans more times than I can count.  Document shipments in case you need to file police reports or buyer is involving you in postal fraud, report them. Postal fraud is not good and a federal offense, use your power by reporting buyers via USPS and their help line.  Let's all work together to combat the bad buyers and make this a safe space to do business.

[12345jamesstamps]

'eBay merchant support'...what is that?

'always ship with tracking, no matter how small the package'...haven't lost anything in years and don't track everything I send out.

I prefer not to order from sellers who 'drop ship' where they actually don't have the item on hand to ship it...but that's just me. 

[simply-the-best-for-you]

Vetting your buyers is bad advice.  First off, you can't really do much of it, secondly even if you think you've ID'd a 'bad' buyer, there's nothing you can do about it anyway, thirdly, who has time for that. 

Someone buys, you ship.  That's what you've agreed to do & if you don't you won't be around long b/c a Defect for not fulfilling your order is the worst kind of defect you can get. 

[orangegroveroad]

how was this helpful.  good for you on not having issues with tracking, still don't recommend sending anything of value out without it. Maybe you sell low value items.   what does this have to do with drop shipping?

[orangegroveroad]

Vetting may not be the right word. I do a quick look to see if a buyer leaves excessive negatives for specific items I sell = trouble. Yes, they buy, I ship, of course but I might take extra precautions to avoid any future problems.  These are my personal bits of advice, take it or leave it.