How to issue refund to buyer who hasn't received package?

[samir-a]

Buyer wants a refund for item I shipped via Priority Mail but has been in limbo for weeks (tracking shows "On the way to next facility" since 7/21).

I'm not finding an option to refund the money in eBay.  How do I do it?

[martin2001]

Don't do any refund. Ask the buyer to file the Item Not Recevied Case. Then ebay will ask you to provide the tracking number, which you will do and also a window of few days to refund. Try to postpone the refunding as long as you can, hoping that they get the package. Even priority mail can now take longer to deliver.

Also go to the usps site:

https://www.usps.com/help/missing-mail.htm

and read how to submit a missing mail case. Priority mail is insured up to $100 automatically. You should file with USPS now.

The bottom line, don't initiate any refund on your own! you have to follow ebay procedures to protect yourself, i.e. the buyer must file a case and you follow what ebay asks you to do.

[american-photography]

Don't refund any money until you get that package back by intercepting it:

https://www.usps.com/manage/package-intercept.htm

[Anonymous]

Wait until the buyer files an INR case. Until then you are under no obligation to refund the money.

[donsdetour]

Go to your PO with the receipt showing number and have them do a package trace on it.

Some times this can get it moving.

Also going to the point of them filling a case against you; 

You can and will get you dinged in your status.

Refund prior to case  if the amount is small enough to protect status, and status is a situation with you.

If the item does not show up go for the insurance from the PO.

A lot of this cost  will get the PO moving to fix the problem.

They do not like loss of money.