Automatic return label where return service shipping is different than sent?

[Anonymous]

I sold an item and sent it out as Priority mail. The buyer requested a return and there was not an option to send a return label. I assumed it was automatic since I offer 30-day returns and the buyer chose defective or not working as the reason for the request (tested fine at the time of sale). There was already a tracking number showing on the return details and the buyer only needed to ship it. Asking the buyer for pics resulted in no pics but they claim the shipping box and packaging was intact.

However, when USPS accepted the supposed item today and, though listed in the information as "Return Service," it's coming back to me as First-Class Mail instead of the originally used Priority Mail (NOT insured on the return and this is a more valuable item for its size). Why and How?

I show NO CHARGE for this return shipping label in my account summary either. 

Any info on why a buyer would and could not only pay for but change the return shipping method would be appreciated--or advice since it doesn't seem an insurance claim might be valid with them automatically sending it back to me uninsured, sans pics, and/or missing the original packing for inspection. 

Thanks.

[myescape]

Return service is not size or class based but a contract between ebay and usps and does not include insurance.If you wanted inured priority you needed to create that label and send to buyer.When item is scanned the postage will be added to your account balance

[Anonymous]

This item has been scanned and I have not been charged. I believe the buyer paid for the label. My original Priority Mail insured the item for up to 100 dollars. Why wouldn't I want the same protection for its return? I assumed return labels would be sent as they were originally purchased through eBay. This is not the case here.

[kensgiftshop]

Did you have to accept the return or did Ebay automatically approve it?

If they approved the return, they would have sent the buyer a return label.

[Anonymous]

And, again, there was no option to send the buyer a return label using either of the two methods (using eBay or by purchasing on my own through the carrier) available on the return details page. I was only given an option to refund since there was already a tracking number for some reason. 

[Anonymous]

Automatically approved and assume a return label was sent... though it's not showing in my fees and differs from how it was originally mailed to the buyer (I used Priority. The buyer chose to return it First-Class).

[lightlily_arts]

 I can think of some reasons but none would be good.  eBay only charges the seller for the return shipping label if it is used. You should watch the tracking carefully.   If the tracking shows delivered and you didn't receive the package then you need to go to the post office to request their Intranet GPS coordinates for the address where the package was delivered.  If this happens don't delay go to the Post Office ASAP as you are expected to refund within 48 hours of delivery. When/if you get your item back make sure it's the item you shipped as that would be a different issue.

[mtgraves7984]

^^^You've received good information. ^^^

I sell here and would've expected a Priority return label (and insurance) as well. How do you know it's First Class?

[Anonymous]

That's my initial gut reaction too, lightily_arts. The buyer account signed up on the day of sale doesn't quite help concerns in that regard either. That and they seem overly congenial in messages at first. Okay, worst case scenarios (yes, plural):

1. I don't receive the product return but it shows as delivered. So I go to the post office and request this information in a very timely manner as you were more than kind to make special note of. Then what? 
2. I receive an empty box or different product than sent--again, shown as delivered but delivered to my actual address.  I'm a top seller and offered 30-day returns. Now what?
3. I receive what appears to be my original product but it is, in fact, no longer working when it was tested just fine several times before the sale and the buyer claimed no damage was caused in shipping (insured through USPS Priority Mail). Would USPS honor any claim? 

Appreciate your time.

[Anonymous]

Selecting the "Product Information" drop-down option on the USPS tracking number page through the USPS site shows me the "Postal Product" (i.e., "First-Class Mail") and "Features" (i.e., "Return Service").

[Anonymous]

NOTE: The tracking number also changed to add 8 digits on the front of it but still shows as "In-Transit" through USPS, scheduled to arrive Mon. There are 3 tracking numbers when I select view tracking on the item. THREE?

[alseyf-73]

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@Anonymous wrote:

NOTE: The tracking number also changed to add 8 digits on the front of it but still shows as "In-Transit" through USPS, scheduled to arrive Mon. There are 3 tracking numbers when I select view tracking on the item. THREE?

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1. The 8-digit prefix is a rousing number to rouse the label onto the right flight to near your zipcode, @Anonymous.

2. How do the 3 tracking numbers differ: Are their tail ends identical, or is one not at all the same the other two?

3. Does the green bubble on your return details page show in transit, or is it only shown in transit at the USPS website?

[Anonymous]

1. ... okay.
2. When I click view tracking now, it only shows my original tracking number uploaded for the buyer, now delivered. The other two are the same number other than those 8-digits on the font of the latest. Last night, I was shown the shorter tracking number on the return details page. Today it is the longer one.
3. The USPS site shows it "In-Transit." The return details page is green bubbled and labeled as "Shipped."

[lightlily_arts · Accepted solution]

If your package gets delivered to a different address that is mail fraud, and you need to get the documentation from the Post Office where the package was delivered and submit it to eBay.

If you don't get  your actual item back again that is fraud, and you need to complain to eBay, However you do need to file a police report and file a mail fraud complaint.

If the item isn't working I have no idea because an item damaged in shipping is supposed to be kept by the recipient. Since they did not ship it back with eBay's return label which included insurance I don't know if eBay could deny a refund.  What was the reason the buyer requested a return?

[Anonymous]

"Doesn't work or defective"