Received wrong address after shipping; possible to re-ship and have buyer pay shipping again?

[ohioguy20]

So about a week ago, I sold an item via auction to someone. They provided me an address. I shipped the package and upon reaching the destination city, it was shipped back to me due to "no such number" existing.

I got the package back and let the buyer know. Asked them for correct address and they got back to me with what should be the proper address (which by the way only had 3 digits of the street number changed and last 4 digits of zip, nothing major like a different city or state). They agreed to pay for shipping again, but the thing is that I see no way to do that. There is no way for me to send an invoice of $15.05 to cover for re-shipping as I assume that is because the item was already paid and shipping was attempted already?

The only alternative I can think of is to cancel the sale, refund buyer, re-list item at price it sold for, and inform the buyer and hope they get to it first and I re-ship with the correct address. The problem with that of course is someone else could buy the item first. If anyone could help out a new eBay member such as myself, I would greatly appreciate it! Perhaps there is a feature of eBay that I am unaware of?

[slippinjimmy]

Send an invoice from PayPal.

[fashunu4eeuh]

Only send to the address on record with the PayPal invoice! If you ship to an address in a message you will lose seller protection. Was this an expensive item? Have you gone to PayPal to verify payment?  Not through a link, but checking on it independently? As a new seller, you must be cautious.

[fashunu4eeuh]

If the address on the PayPal invoice is incorrect, then you will need to cancel the transaction, and the buyer must change the address during (or before) checkout when they repurchase. This is for both your protections.

[ohioguy20]

Yes, I went to PayPal for payment verification. It's still on hold since it hasn't arrived at the destination. It was around $90.

If I am given payment and am able to re-print the label, would I be able to go to My eBay > Selling > Shipping Labels and be able to edit the label address while still having seller protection available?

[redlmc]

I have a similar case; buyer provided insufficient address and package is being routed back to me by USPS.  Buyer wants the item, but I cannot reship with a "different" address on the same item, or I lose protection (the Paypal invoice/address issue too).  Buyer is a ZERO feedback user so I am dubious too.  

I plan to refund the buyer when I get the package back.  I really fear this is a scam for I was scammed in a lost package deal in May in which the buyer filed a claim after I sent a replacement and she acknowledged the receipt of the replacement.  Advice on these forums was I should have just refunded her.  

Good luck, not sure I would re-sell to the buyer you are dealing with.

[ohioguy20]

Refunding so far seems to be the solution I should go with.

The buyer got back to me and wants me to request money from PayPal. How is this method different from an invoice that I would send to them via PayPal? That would require a lot of information from the buyer, unsure if they would be willing to do so (full name, phone, and email I think). Should I go with the refund solution anyway?

I should also note that the buyer before buying my item had zero feedback since joining a few months ago. Now has 1 since I left it for their quick transaction (next time I'll wait till item arrives). So would that be a concern like some people on here say it is? And would it be a concern if buyer provides only initials for the name on the shipping label? Not sure if I'm being overly suspicious or if this buyer really is just new and inexperienced.

[ohioguy20]

I have decided to just fully refund since that is the most common and easiest suggestion here.

I will re-list the item within a few days when I can and see how it goes. Thanks for the help!

[acrc3113 · Accepted solution]

When you get your item back, cancel the transaction due to problems with the buyer's address. eBay will refund the buyer and you receive no defect. You should then seriously consider adding the buyer to your BBL. Sounds like that person may be more trouble than you wish to deal with. Never ship to any address the buyer gives you. Only ship to the address listed on the eBay and Paypal transaction. You will lose any protection you have if you ship elsewhere.