eBay

kri_9217 · ‎01-14-2021

So the first time ever the wrong label got on the wrong package. Nothing else got switched - one was an instore return and the other an ebay sale. I contacted the buyer about the mixup and apologized of course and said I would accept the return should they receive it.

I was hoping that it would not get through the postal system, that someone somewhere would see that it was grossly overweight for the first class. For some reason it is through my local PO and on its way to a small town in midAmerica. I am hoping that it stops there and returns it for insufficient postage so that I could avoid the hassle of having buyer return or pay extra at the PO.

Yes I did it and take full responsibility, but some questions:

can I do exchanges via return process, or is it another listing I have to put up for my buyer? Also since it is my error if I refund do I get my fees back? For those who work at the PO, what would the employees do there--deliver and make the buyer pay, hold for the buyer to pay, or return to me for insufficient postage? Any help is appreciated thank you.

nobody*s_perfect · ‎01-14-2021

A couple of years ago, USPS set up special equipment at their sorting centers, which checks the weight and dimensions of all packages. If an online label is underpaid, the postage due is automatically charged to the account which originally purchased the label.

https://link.usps.com/2017/10/05/what-is-apv/

http://pages.ebay.com/sellerinformation/ship-smart/ebay-shipping-partners/avoid-extra-postage-costs....

If your underpaid package it caught by this system, it will be delivered to your buyer without any Postage Due fuss, and the charge will show up on your eBay account.

The most efficient thing for you to do would be to advise the buyer to refuse delivery so the package comes back to you. When you get it back, cancel the transaction issuing a full refund to the buyer, you will get credit for the final value fee.

kri_9217 · ‎01-14-2021

ok great thanks! so if the buyer wants the item how do I get it paid and create label on the new one?

kri_9217 · ‎01-14-2021

Also would if it does end up being delivered to the mailbox (which I doubt, but can happen) could they do "return to sender"?

pooh333piglet · ‎01-14-2021

Highly unlikely it comes back to you unless refused. Theres a chance your local post office catches it immediately and delivers it back to you fir insufficient postage. Once it leaves there then that's a different story. People dont see your package. Machines do. USPS automation is supposed to catch it and charge you. If it was sent 1st class and should of been priority that is generally caught. During this USPS chaotic mess it may not be.

The package may just get delivered. End of story. USPS is not that organized lately. If delivered you should get charged to the same way you originally paid. Chances for that kind of package (1st class should be priority) is 50/50 in my opinion. Less now.

It can be Refused if delivery attempted also which might be the best option since it's not the correct item. Let us know.

Always interesting to see what USPS does. It's so random and different often.

pooh333piglet · ‎01-14-2021

I absolutely infinity percent guarantee USPS does not weigh and use dimensions on All packages. Barely close.

Its truly random and ridiculous.

pooh333piglet · ‎01-14-2021

@kri_9217 wrote:
Also would if it does end up being delivered to the mailbox (which I doubt, but can happen) could they do "return to sender"?

They can return to sender as long as unopened.

nobody*s_perfect · ‎01-14-2021

@kri_9217 wrote:
Also would if it does end up being delivered to the mailbox (which I doubt, but can happen) could they do "return to sender"?

As long as the package hasn't been opened, the recipient can just write "Refused" on it and take it to their local Post Office. They might even be able to hand it back to their carrier.

donsdetour · ‎01-14-2021

@nobody*s_perfect wrote:
A couple of years ago, USPS set up special equipment at their sorting centers, which checks the weight and dimensions of all packages. If an online label is underpaid, the postage due is automatically charged to the account which originally purchased the label.

https://link.usps.com/2017/10/05/what-is-apv/

http://pages.ebay.com/sellerinformation/ship-smart/ebay-shipping-partners/avoid-extra-postage-costs....

If your underpaid package it caught by this system, it will be delivered to your buyer without any Postage Due fuss, and the charge will show up on your eBay account.

The most efficient thing for you to do would be to advise the buyer to refuse delivery so the package comes back to you. When you get it back, cancel the transaction issuing a full refund to the buyer, you will get credit for the final value fee.

Postage due has and will show up to the purchaser. Just saying.

Also to the topic: a free item is what you sent.

If they refuse the item you are good: but in truth they can accept it and keep it.

This is due to the old days when such was used to ship an item and then charge the customer for it when they did not order it. Or even the bait ans switch to charge a customer for a higher priced item etc.....

It does come under law.

Most but not all customers will work with you has been my experience through the years.

Had a few who would not..

nobody*s_perfect · ‎01-14-2021

@kri_9217 wrote:
ok great thanks! so if the buyer wants the item how do I get it paid and create label on the new one?

I thought you sent their item to another place with a return label.

If you do have the item in hand that they are supposed to get, then when you get the mis-sent item back, instead of issuing a refund just ship out the correct item.

pooh333piglet · ‎01-14-2021

Do you have packages you send or know of recent packages people receive that show up with postage due?

The system changed. That was the past and now its not like that. So its confusing when you say that as I talk to tons of sellers and people at the post office and that just doesnt happen anymore.

nobody*s_perfect · ‎01-14-2021

"a free item is what you sent.

If they refuse the item you are good: but in truth they can accept it and keep it."

A wrong item is what they sent, using the shipping label provided by eBay. If the buyer chooses to keep the wrong item instead of the one they purchased, they won't be eligible to get a refund through a "Not as described" claim.