Arrival Time Deadline for International Packages?

[kcgilbert]

I have a buyer in Mexico who claims that there is a 17 day deadline in which a package must arrive by. Is this true? I shipped a package to Mexico (from Greenville SC) on June 29, 2022. Buyer wants a refund because package hasn't arrived and it's "past the 17 day deadline."  Tracking information shows that the package cleared customs on July 20, 2022 and is with the local carrier "in transit." I feel like it's going to arrive any moment. Do I have to refund his money at this stage? He has also given me negative feedback because of shipping - which is completely out of my control. Please advise. Thank you.

[aproudparent2010]

I do not see any negative feedback on your account

I have sold on eBay for 19 years and know nothing of this 17 day deadline this buyer is speaking of.

[soh.maryl]

There was an estimated delivery date seen in the listing when your buyer made the purchase.

If he has not received his package by the day after that date, he can open an item not received case.

Is that "17 day deadline" referring to the EDD?

If his package is with the local carrier on its way to him, why not contact him, explain to him that the EDD is an estimate and ask if he can wait another day or two?  

[pickermall]

I don't know about the 17 day thing... but ironically my wife got a message this morning from a guy she sold something to way back on June 3 in Mexico... last scan was June 9 in Mexico City.

All we can do is open a USPS lost mail trace, but that will come back out of USPS hands... we asked the buyer to use the Customs number to check with their postal system there. I'm not really sure HOW to proceed other than that!

[fab_finds4u · Accepted solution]

Tell your buyer the delivery date is an estimate, not a deadline.

Some sellers offer date certain guaranteed delivery but you didn't offer that and  he didn't pay for for guaranteed express delivery did he?

Put the tracking number in the case  and contact eBay and ask them to hold the case open a little longer since it cleared customs and is in transit with the local carrier. 

---

[titipeo]

There is no 17 day deadline. As others mentioned, it could be the estimated delivery date. What does package shows as far as delivery date? Inform customer of this, and if they file a case, then proceed accordingly. If it is item not delivered case, and you are still within delivery timelines, upload the tracking info and you should prevail, if not, eBay does allow buyers to file claim.

Unfortunately, we are not in control of delivery, but are certainly responsible of such. Good luck

[kcgilbert]

Thank you for your response. The item has been delivered and I haven't heard anything else from the buyer.

eBay for Business was able to remove my negative feedback.  🙂

[kcgilbert]

Thank you for your response. The item has been delivered and I haven't heard anything else from the buyer. I'm not sure where he got the "17 day deadline" from. I asked him to explain it to me and he never did.

[kcgilbert]

Thank you for your response. The item has been delivered and I haven't heard anything else from the buyer.

[kcgilbert]

Great advice. Thank you. No, he did not pay for guaranteed express delivery. However, the package has been successfully delivered now. And I haven't heard anything else from him.

[1786davycrockett]

"All we can do is open a USPS lost mail trace, but that will come back out of USPS hands... we asked the buyer to use the Customs number to check with their postal system there. I'm not really sure HOW to proceed other than that!"

If the package that you shipped from the USA is in Mexico, USPS will not be able to track your package -- after your package has traveled outside the United States, USPS no longer has possession of the package, as it is in a foreign country, and under the jurisdiction of the postal system of that country.

The package which you had shipped is no doubt buried at the Mexico Customs Office, which is notoriously slow in clearing foreign mail -- one of my packages did not clear for 5 weeks!

Ah, well -- manana. . ..

Add Tags...

[kcgilbert]

Great advice. Thank you. The possible delivery date was something like July 8 - August 5. Package was delivered on July 28th, so hopefully this issue is resolved.

[ms.rodriguez*]

Maybe the buyer did not understand the word ESTIMATED DELIVERY date.   He is a moron because it's almost the same word in Spanish.  (Estimado).  Anyway, block the buyer now.  Be grateful that the item arrived.  About 10 years ago,  I sent 5 boxes to 5 different buyers.  None arrived.   Mexico was the second country that I blocked from bidding on my 2 seller accts.