Increase in 'stuck' packages

[neatstuffpls]

So lately I have had a lot of buyers opening requests for refunds due to their packages being 'stuck' at a post office warehouse. (About 4 at the time of writing this) it feels like a lot of them know packages are going to be late due to the virus, and increased volume of mail the usps is dealing with, and are hoping to run out the clock and get their money & the item. Is eBay doing anything to help with this rn? I cant find away to contact anyone at eBay to help with this and id love to not loose out on both the item and the sale. 

[wastingtime101]

When buyers file item not received requests eBay will grant a standard extension for the seller to respond if there has been a tracking update within a certain amount of time (I think it's 5 days domestic and 10 international? Somebody correct me if that's wrong.)

A lot of packages are getting stuck long enough to not warrant the extension or they aren't delivered by the time the extension is up so sellers are having to refund out of pocket. If that happens all you can do is ask the buyer to re-pay once a package arrives or to refuse (return to sender) the package if they no longer want it.

eBay hasn't stepped up with any help for sellers in this area.

[neatstuffpls]

So if i give them the refund i should tell them to refuse the package? or have it returned to sender. 

some packages i have have moved so if they move i should update with tracking and it will extend the time for the request? 

[nkmipgolf]

They will not refuse the package but consider it a free gift. Big backup in Post Offices as people are not going in to pick up there packages. Guam for one example.  I had a late item once that sold for $75 plus $37 for shipping. Buyer complained got his all money back and item delivered 1 week later.  eBay step in and help me? NO SORRY  I no longer sell on eBay.  I was here to make money, not give things away. 

[agun2355]

I got one package to start moving again by filing a missing mail search at the USPS web site. The package sat in Jersey City with no scans for 14 days. The buyer filed an INR but closed it when the package started moving again. It is out for delivery today. You will need to set up an online account with the USPS before filing. With the missing mail search you can specify where the item should be shipped to when found. If the buyer has been refunded you can have the package shipped back to yourself.

[qatara]

If ebay makes you refund see if you can have package returned to via the post office website. I had a seller do that to me when someone hacked my account and brought high priced jewelry.

[mysalonsavings]

I think most of us are experiencing this same issue 

[mysalonsavings]

Very few, if any, buyers are going to re-pay, refuse, or return and item they have received a refund for! If they are filing an INR right now knowing full well or is stuck at a post office because of this shut down they are a dishonest buyer! Basically you are out you money and your item. Another Ebay flaw! Sorry but it is the truth. 

[bucky1997]

I hope I'm wrong but I think that was pure coincidence rather than having anything to do with filing a missing mail search.  I've felt that way a time or two in the past when packages starting moving again within a day or two of me filing the search request but, over the past 3-4 weeks, I've filed missing mail searches for 5-10 packages all going to different locations in the US and overseas and there still has been no movement.  Moreover, many times, months after submitting a search request, I receive emails saying USPS hasn't found the package but they're doing everything possible to track it down - meanwhile the package was delivered by then.

Talk about a feeling of powerlessness right now...

[agun2355]

You're probably right but I figure it's worth trying anyway.  It may buy you a few more days with the buyer if you show them you are making an effort to expedite the delivery.