Does UPS charge return shipping if a buyer refuses the shipment?

[calntom]

Does UPS charge return shipping if a buyer refuses the shipment?

Customer wants to cancel the order but UPS already has the shipment.

Should I instruct the buyer to refuse the shipment?

Or should I recall the shipment from UPS?

Or should I just send a prepaid label to the buyer for the return?

I had free shipping and free returns on this item.

It was a $49 Item that I paid $12.89 to ship

[popblox]

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@calntom wrote:

Does UPS charge return shipping if a buyer refuses the shipment?

Yes. To the best of my knowledge, in the event of a refused package: UPS will charge the account holder (eBay, unless you used your own account), who will in turn charge you.

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@calntom wrote:

Customer wants to cancel the order but UPS already has the shipment.

Should I instruct the buyer to refuse the shipment?

Or should I recall the shipment from UPS?

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No, I wouldn't do either in this situation. For starters, once an order has shipped, it isn't possible to cancel it. The buyer is responsible for their purchases - there's no need in you jumping through additional hoops for their mistake. When you have a buyer that's this wishy-washy, the best option you have is to play it 100% by the book. 

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@calntom wrote:

Or should I just send a prepaid label to the buyer for the return?

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If the buyer wants to return the item, let them know that the next step, according to eBay policy, would be for them to open a return after they receive it. Once they initiate a return, you can send them a label - don't refund until you've received the item back and inspected it. 

[fab_finds4u]

Knock on work I never had a refused package but from reading here it seems refused take longer to get returned. 

Buyers aren't supposed to refuse packages unless postage is due that the seller refuses to pay the difference. 

I agree play by the book. Have the buyer go to their purchase history after it's delivered and hit that return this item button and select the reason for the return. They'll get a return label.

[rfmtm]

If you have UPS recall the package you will pay the recall fee. 

If your buyer refuses the package, per UPS Terms of Service:

Return of Undeliverable Packages

Packages refused by consignees or which for any other reason cannot be delivered will be promptly returned to the shipper without additional charge.

[buyselljack2016]

As I understand it, a package can not be recalled, or redirected by an eBay seller when the label purchase was may through eBay.

[rfmtm]

@buyselljack2016   That is correct and one reason to always use your own UPS account as a seller, so you have these options available to you.  

Note that some third party shippers, like Pirate Ship, make these options indirectly available, and if you are a verified recipient with an account they have some access to these options as well.

[buyselljack2016]

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@buyselljack2016 wrote:

As I understand it, a package can not be recalled, or redirected by an eBay seller when the label purchase was may through eBay.

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This is in reference to USP labels.  USPS can be intercepted by the seller.

[calntom · Accepted solution]

@popblox @rfmtm @fab_finds4u 

Hey folks, as always, I appreciate the feedback on my issue.  Here is what went down:

I called UPS and they were willing to intercept the shipment even though I bought the shipping thru eBay. You have to fight thru the menus to get to a representative that will process the intercept. I vaguely remember having to do this successfully on a $300+ order in the past. 

UPS wanted $24.90 to recall the package. I had already paid $12.89 to ship the item. 

I am cutting losses here and just refunding in full on this $49.20 item. 

Addendum: forgot to mention that if the customer refuses the shipment UPS will send it back for free.

Regards,   ----   calntom