Will try to keep this as concise as possible.
Shipped a vintage Barbie to the exact address the buyer provided.
Out for delivery scan shows the correct zip code, final delivery scan shows delivery in a neighboring zip code.
Buyer opens INR the morning after it was delivered.
USPS was helpful. My local PO stated that the condos the buyer lives in are right on the border of two zip codes (Manhattan). Zip code shown on the final delivery scan is literally across the road from the buyers condominium building. USPS stated that when a carrier is supporting another PO by delivering for a zip code they don’t normally cover, it can cause this error to show up on the tracking. She looked up and gave me the exact GPS coordinates for the final delivery scan and it is literally right on the buyers condo. She stated she believes that it was successfully delivered and that the scan error occurring here isn’t entirely uncommon given the buyers location.
Because the gps coordinates for the final scan is exactly is where it is supposed to be, I believe the buyer did receive the package. I believe that they are aware of the tracking issue and are attempting to take advantage of the situation to get free stuff on eBay. Buyer is using a new account with no feedback and I would not be surprised if they have done this before.
I have two questions:
Am I still covered by seller protections in this case considering that I shipped to the address provided?
If I am forced to refund, is this grounds to request an investigation with the Postal Inspector? Is it ok for me to tell the buyer I intend to do this?
