Zip Code "Changed" When Making USPS Label Doral, FL

[vtqpg_88]

I have a buyer that I believe is using a freight forwarding service but will not admit to doing so. Their profile location is listed as Honduras but I am only shipping to domestic US. The tracking information shows that the package was delivered to zip code 33195, but the zip code on the buyer's information is 33166. The buyer says because of this difference, they have not received the item and deserve a refund. I did not edit the address at all and used the label purchased through and provided by eBay. I did not receive any warnings about the address being a problem and did not edit it at all. I have called customer service and they said they cannot do anything until the request has been escalated. What are my options?

[monica-sells]

what is the tracking status of this order?

stop communicating.....tell them to file an Item Not Recieved through ebay....

You will then get a message from ebay.......

Upload the tracking number to the ebay request....

you should be covered if the status is delivered to the address on record with the order....

(forget his claim about zip codes)

[vtqpg_88]

Okay, I will stop communicating with them. The tracking status is delivered 'Delivered to Agent, Left with Individual.' The buyer has filed an item not received already, and when I go to upload the tracking number, it says the 'item was already delivered,' so it won't let me upload again. Looking back at the usps shipping label, the zip code doesn't match the one on the packing slip but the address, city, and name are the same. I purchased shipping insurance as well but from what I've read that only covers lost items. I am not thrilled with having $550 on hold and no way of getting my item back from the buyer since they are likely outside the country, so I wanted clarification on how this process will play out. Thank you. 

[monica-sells]

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@vtqpg_88 wrote:

... and when I go to upload the tracking number, it says the 'item was already delivered,' so it won't let me upload again. 

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where are you trying to upload the tracking number? Through the message from ebay?

[vtqpg_88]

Yes, through the message from eBay. Should I upload the same tracking number as a 'new' one and have a duplicate? 

[vtqpg_88]

I uploaded the same tracking number. Now do I have to wait for the request to be escalated? I called eBay support not too long ago explaining the situation and they said the request would rule in my favor since the item was delivered successfully on the tracking, but said that they were unable to do so until 3 business days have passed.

[monica-sells]

As redundant as it might sound, if you received an official Item Not Received notice from ebay, which requested you to upload the tracking number again, it is because not everyone uses ebay shipping, so this department needs the tracking number...

It sounds like you actually got the proper advice from CS (did they call you or did you do the chat?) If you did what they asked, and the status shows delivered, you should be OK

It will delay your payout though until it is resolved (I think)

[slippinjimmy]

I think what is happening here is that the Forwarders send a truck to the local USPS Facility, that is the "delivered to Agent" part, the Facility for the Doral area IS located in zip code 33195, the forwarder is located nearby at zip 33166.

All USPS delivery scans show the zip code of the location of the handover not the final destination.

I have no idea if eBay understands this or not, if you lose the INR claim you should be able to appeal (and win) now that you know why the zip codes do not match.

Some buyers who lack experience using forwarders are probably only looking at eBay tracking which will show delivered but the forwarder won't inform them that the package is in their hands until it's finally checked in at their location which can take up to 24 hours. The forwarder then inform the buyer the shipment is in their hands, provides the fees the buyer has to pay them and once paid the actual forwarding takes place.

Personally I have shipped via forwarders hundreds of times and never had an issue but most my buyers fully understand the process, buyers new to forwarding probably don't and thus they see delivered, they have had no contact from the forwarder and they freak out thinking it was not delivered to the correct location.

[monica-sells]

thanks @slippinjimmy 

I knew part of what you described, but not all of it....makes sense

[vtqpg_88]

I had CS call me directly. The rep said I didn't have to do anything else, just wait for contact from eBay after the case is escalated in case they need more information and the issue will be decided in my favor because of successful delivery on the tracking status. 

Thank you!

[12345jamesstamps]

I have had a few shipments there...There is more than one zip code so I don't think zip codes matter.

But Honduras....and a phone...they will try for a refund.

Tracking should go in your favor.

I never had anything go to Honduras.

Buyer will try other ways to get a refund...so save all information.

[sextons-sweet-deals]

wake up people!

Review your buyer's profile / location before shipping.

This is a common game play for new sellers who are selling expensive items. 

You ship to a F.F. address. The buyer will play you that they have not received. When you ship to a F.F. you will never receive a tracking number showing delivered to the final destination. 

If I decide to ship to a F.F., I pay that little coin for signature that is probably half the cost of your morning coffee drive through cost. 

[vtqpg_88]

What other ways could the buyer try to get a refund, just so I am aware? 

[dbfolks166mt]

I had CS call me directly. The rep said I didn't have to do anything else, just wait for contact from eBay after the case is escalated in case they need more information and the issue will be decided in my favor because of successful delivery on the tracking status. 

Thank you!

     You should be aware that customer support will tell you what you want to hear to get you off the phone even if that means lying to you. If the buyer has actually opened an INR case you need to respond and upload the tracking. If you wait and the buyer asks eBay to intervene then you will loose the claim, the buyer will be fully refunded, eBay will still charge you the FVF's, eBay will ding your metrics for not resolving the case on your own and the buyer will never be required to return the item. 

     Cell phones are one of the primary targets for every scammer out there. Hopefully you retained the IMEI number of the phone. If the buyer scams you out of the phone you can report the IMEI number to the blacklist and it basically becomes useless to the buyer/scammer. 

     Cell phones are something I would NEVER list on eBay there are simply too many other viable options starting with local forums. You are in a HUGE metropolitan area with dozens of local venues available. 

[dbfolks166mt]

What other ways could the buyer try to get a refund, just so I am aware? 

1. Request for a return for NAD through eBay claim. You may have some limited protection since 

   it went through a FF but working those with eBay seems to have become a pain these days. You would

   only be responsible for the shipping label from the FF back to you. The buyer would have to get the item

   back to the FF on their dime. They could also return you something besides the phone and once you 

   have received the package back eBay is going to refund the buyer regardless of what you receive. 

2. A NAD Chargeback through their CC company. Worst situation you could wind up in. You will probably

     loose the NAD claim, buyer will be fully refunded, eBay will still charge you the FVF's, you will be charged

    $20 by the CC company if you dispute the chargeback and loose and eBay will ding your account.

    O and since  CC companies are only concerned with the financial aspect of the transaction the buyer

    will NOT be required to return the item.