Okay to send items, for free, to previous buyer?

[hoos99]

I sold a doll and accompanying clothing about a year ago, but three tiny clothing items were missing (as acknowledged in the auction description).  I just found the missing items, and I'd now like to send those items to the buyer--who is eager to get them--at no cost to the buyer.  It's just a friendly gesture on my part. 

Since no money is changing hands, would I in any way violate eBay rules by sending the items to the previous buyer?  

[silverstatetreasureboxes]

@hoos99 

How sweet! Since it was part of the original description and then you found it, go right ahead.

Merry Christmas!

[chevymontecarlo88]

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@hoos99 wrote:

I sold a doll and accompanying clothing about a year ago, but three tiny clothing items were missing (as acknowledged in the auction description).  I just found the missing items, and I'd now like to send those items to the buyer--who is eager to get them--at no cost to the buyer.  It's just a friendly gesture on my part. 

Since no money is changing hands, would I in any way violate eBay rules by sending the items to the previous buyer?  

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No. As long as you don't communicate through eBay it is fine. If you do communicate through eBay to offer the free items, it may be considered a violation from eBay's perspective. (Possibly) 

[hoos99]

That's my fear.  I do need to communicate through eBay, since I it's apparently not permitted to get a buyer's email address.

[stainlessenginecovers]

you won't be able to communicate (no 'message buyer') with the buyer after 90 days anyway as well as no name, no address (just city/state is shown) (unless you have a shipping receipt you can look at use, but without communication person could not be at that address anymor)

[albertabrightalberta]

@hoos99 

Do you save the emails you received from ebay when you printed a label, specifically the one showing "Your eBay label is ready" in the  subject line? 

That email shows all the details you'd need. 

[a_c_green]

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@hoos99 wrote:

Since no money is changing hands, would I in any way violate eBay rules by sending the items to the previous buyer?  

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Of course not, especially since you're doing it for free. If you cannot find the original order details from a year ago on eBay (I know they retain some basic details that long), your off-eBay email account should have the buyer's address in one of the Shipping confirmation notices you receive (assuming that you bought the label via eBay).

[gloryglorygifts]

I would just add a note in the shipment explaining that you found them.  Hopefully you have the address somewhere?  You won't have access to it. If you don't, I don't see why you can't contact them on here. It had to do with the order so it's not selling off the site. 

Merry Christmas to you. 

[chevymontecarlo88]

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@hoos99 wrote:

That's my fear.  I do need to communicate through eBay, since I it's apparently not permitted to get a buyer's email address.

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There is something you could do that is a little more complicated that would work. 

List the items with a best offer/free shipping (maybe set the retail price high) and contact the buyer explaining what you found. Let them know that you can't just send them the items (although you wanted to) if contacted through eBay without a sale. (or it could jeopardize your account) Give them the opportunity to make an offer of a penny (.01) and accept it. 

You will have to pay the additional .40 fee along with the fee for selling but its peanuts and you will be able to use the eBay shipping label discounts. Maybe even get positive feedback out of it. 

It may be too much to deal with, but your sediment is really nice and i hope you have a Merry Christmas.

It would be nice if more sellers were this thoughtful. 

edit. You could possibly contact them through any feedback left from either of you. YMMV

[meme6253]

Great gesture on your part!, Since there is no exchange of money or anything I don't see why you cannot go ahead & send it.

[onlinecentral]

You can find the buyer's address by downloading a report from your Managed Payments screen. I would not ask for their address through the eBay Message Center. Then send a message stating:

I finally found the missing doll clothing items and will be sending them to you at no additional cost for postage. Thanks for the purchase and your patience.

[hoos99]

You've all be extremely helpful!  I appreciate your kindness!

[az93]

You have the buyer's address. Just mail them at your own expense with a short note of explanation.

[richard1rst]

I would send it using an off eBay site to buy the label.  Pirateship, stamps.com. paypal, - whatever. No different than if you were sending a package to a friend or relative. As you said - no money is changing hands and that is what eBay cares about - getting their cut.

[inhawaii]

No violation and a very nice gesture on your part.

GOOD KARMA!