eBay

jewelsandrubies · ‎10-20-2020

I recently sold a pre-owned computer and the buyer claimed they were purchasing it as a gift and wanted it shipped to their friend. I informed them that they would need to update the shipping address in PayPal prior to paying, and they did, so I shipped the item with delivery signature required (which I had told them about in advance to make sure someone would be present to sign for it). UPS attempted delivery on Friday 10/16 but no one was there so the package was redirected to a UPS Access Point (a retail location that accepts UPS packages) where the recipient could pick it up. I messaged the buyer confirming they were aware of the package location, and they assured me the recipient would pick it up. The buyer messaged me today (10/20) asking me to change the delivery address through UPS (they said the recipients ID doesn't match the delivery address so they could not pick it up from the UPS Access Point location). I assume I would lose my eBay Seller Protection if I change the delivery address, and am not sure what to do. If the recipient is unable to pick it up from the UPS Accent Point then it is my understanding that UPS will need to return the item to me and I assume I would need to cover the return shipping? It cost me $100 to send it there (but in the listing I only charged a flat rate fee of $60 for shipping). The "retail" rate for shipping was closer to $200 (shipping a large/heavy box from the west coast to the east coast), but since UPS rates are discounted through eBay it cost me $100 for me to ship it originally. Does anyone have experience with UPS returning an item to the sender/seller and how much it costs to get the item back? I don't want to lose my eBay Seller Protection so I am leary of changing the delivery address at this point, but am also not thrilled about the possibility of having to pay $100-200 if UPS returns my shipment. Ugh. The item was sold for $400. Any advice on how to proceed? Change the address? Not change the address and wait for UPS to return the item to me? Then refund the buyer? And, if I refund the buyer do I need to refund the entire amount they paid (including shipping)? Appreciate any help from seasoned eBayers 🙂

dbfolks166mt · ‎10-20-2020

I am dealing with a similar case at the moment although it is through USPS. Like you signature is required at delivery. Like you I was asked change the delivery address to which I politely responded no due to loss of seller protection if I did so. USPS holds items for 15 days before they initiate a return action because the package was undeliverable. I am not sure about UPS but USPS does not charge for the return postage.

Obviously once I have the package back I will have to refund the buyer but that refund will not include the postage cost.

ga-8370 · ‎10-20-2020

UPS tracking only shows the city @jewelsandrubies, so if it is signed delivered anywhere in that city, eBay considers it delivered, no matter where it was directed and redirected.

jewelsandrubies · ‎10-20-2020

I just checked the UPS tracking on packages I have received to see how much information shows up in the tracking and it actually shows my complete address (street address, city and zip code), so it seems risky to me to change the delivery address if I want to keep eBay Seller Protection.