Avoid a shipping defect?

[spaseminars]

I mailed an item on February 19th - due to arrive on February 24th. It didn't, the buyer contacted me, I responded. On the 25th the the buyer  - exhibiting little patience!! - opened an item not received case. I've stayed in contact with the buyer regarding tracking number, weather, and opening a missing package inquiry with USPS etc. On March 3rd I offered a refund ... kinda expensive item, so a bit painful. Within hours the buyer contacted eBay "The buyer has asked eBay Customer Service to review this case and make a final decision." and eBay has let me know the case is on hold and they will make a final decision by March 13th.

There's no reason for me to anticipate USPS will get it together by then -  I have one other package mailed same time/same day that is in limbo, and another mailed two days later in limbo also, none have had tracking updated since two days after mailing; almost two weeks with no obvious movement. 

Should I refund now? Should I wait for Ebay to force the issue? 

Thanks for any insights ..... generally my buyers are a bit more tolerant, I've never had a case opened one day after expected delivery before 🙂

[kensgiftshop]

@spaseminars 

If tracking doesn't show any recent movement, you'll have to refund, before Ebay does it for you.

Try to have the packages intercepted and sent back to you.

[1grandmashope_1]

I just had one that was payed for and shipped on February 20 with no movement until delivery yesterday.  It is one of the reasons to weigh selling at the moment.  I do believe the USPS is doing its best under the circumstances.  A very difficult time for a multitude of reasons.

I hope that your issues get resolved timely and all goes well,

Grandma

[brwil85]

This is happening frequently. Look at the tracking March 12, if there is recent movement ask eBay to put the case on hold again. Otherwise you will probably have to refund. If buyer asks ebay to step in and help and forces refund you get a defect. 

Also March 12 you can try to get them to put it on hold for another 10 days. You may have to try calling a few times to get a cooperative agent. 

The buyer needs to wait. If they are unhappy with USPS service they should write their Congressman. 

[spaseminars]

Thanks, sounds like I'll need to refund soonish. I'd hoped to see if I could wait it out. I had a brief discussion with my PO. They'd never heard of the concept of trying to intercept a package lol.

[spaseminars]

The buyer has already asked eBay to step in ..... not to say they aren't anxious, but they filed a case 1 day after the anticipated delivery date .... in the middle of a showstorm 🙂

[spaseminars]

I have to admit that I'm a bit thin skinned ... I weigh selling often 🙂  Like when people completely ignore the description and then leave negative feedback lol. I definitely do get nervous when packages aren't delivered in a timely fashion.