eBay

japanesque_shop · ‎10-02-2020

I'm a seller located in Tokyo, Japan.

A buyer in Pine CO, US purchased one of my items and paid (Item price $2.22 + $21.50 Shipping) for it on Sunday, Sep. 30.
I shipped the item on Tuesday, Oct. 1 via FedEx Envelope, added the tracking number to the ebay system, and notified the buyer of the shipment using a message.

As of yesterday, the FedEx tracking information was "DELIVERY EXCEPTION" and "We made a delivery attempt: 10/01/2020 01:32 PM. Don't wait until the next business day for your delivery. "

I sent a message to the buyer asking him to pick up his item at the FedEx facility or arrange to receive it, but he did not reply.

As of now, the tracking information says "We made another delivery attempt: 10/02/2020 01:39 PM. Pick up your package(s) today after 05:30 PM at FEDEX FACILITY: 4901 SOUTH ZUNI STREET . A final delivery attempt will be made on the next business day. Click Manage Delivery below to take more control of your package(s)." Now the scheduled delivery date is Monday Oct. 5 US time.

I have just sent a message to him, asking him to pick up his item today as instructed.

I'm afraid that FedEx will return the item to Japan if it is not delivered at a third attempt, and that I will be charged for the return fee, which will be very expensive.

Is there anyway to avoid this?

The worst scenario is that the item is returned to me, and the transaction is cancelled or the buyer opens an item not received case, then I will lose my money for both fees, shipping (from Japan to US) and return shipping (from US to Japan).

As this is a cheap item (price: $2.22), it will not cover these shipping costs even if it is returned to me, and purchased by another buyer...

Could someone advice a way to minimize the losses?

I'm at a loss.

rebell45 · ‎10-02-2020

I wouldn't worry about it until Monday since the said the will try again then. Hopefully, the buyer will get your messages before then. That said, what happens when you go to "Manage Delivery". Is there an option to just have them leave the package at the buyers address?

If the buyer paid with PayPal, the email your received from them should have his email address in the header. You could try sending a message to that address.

____________________________________________________________
Never sell anything on eBay that you can't afford to lose.

debad4042 · ‎10-02-2020

Ebay sees attempted delivery the same as delivered.

buyselljack2016 · ‎10-02-2020

Personally I would not pay the return shipping to get an item back that sold for $2.22

japanesque_shop · ‎10-02-2020

Thank you for your comment, but I'm afraid that "Manage Delivery" can be used by the recipient, not by the shipper.

There seems to be three options for "Manage Delivery", HOLD AT LOCATION, DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS and VACATION HOLD.

Also, it seems I can obtain the buyer's email address only by issuing an refund to him.

I'm afraid ebay will not provide support if I contact the buyer out of ebay, anyway.

buyselljack2016 · ‎10-02-2020

@debad4042 wrote:
Ebay sees attempted delivery the same as delivered.

and then there is PayPal, and CC if used.

japanesque_shop · ‎10-02-2020

Thank you, then do you no refund will be required at least?

japanesque_shop · ‎10-02-2020

What is "CC"?

japanesque_shop · ‎10-02-2020

Thank you for your reply, but I'm afraid FedEx will automatically return the item after three attempts have been made, and I will be charged for the return shipping.