International package no longer trackable

[andy7715]

So here are the details. I purchased a set of figurines from a Chinese seller July 18th. They were shipped and arrived on August 10th. I paid $415 for the two. However, the distributor/warehouse sent the wrong items. The seller offered to give me $50 for compensation and let me keep the figurines, or I could send them back and exchange them for the correct ones. Between the messages sent and when the seller emailed me the return label, I shipped the figurines back on the 17th. The tracking number is UA672195550US. The tracking number shows the items arrived at the Chicago International Distribution Center, and that's where the trail goes cold.

I went to the post office and was told that the package had been stuck for longer than it should have, and to call the number on the receipt. I did, but was met with an automated voice every time. I was finally able to leave my number for a callback, and was told from a lady at USPS that the package was no longer in their hands and could no longer be tracked. I contacted the seller and they said they haven't arrived at the warehouse yet, and they won't send the correct figurines until the first two arrive, which I understand, even though the warehouse sent me the wrong ones to begin with. The seller couldn't track it any farther than I could.

So now I'm at a loss for what I should do next. I have no way of knowing if it arrived in China, is still in transit, or is lost. I did open a missing mail case on the USPS site, but it's been open for three days now and it doesn't appear any progress has been made. So at this point, is there any way to track the package, or do I ask for a refund and consider the package lost? What course of action would be best at this point? 

[candd205 · Accepted solution]

It's been too long since delivery to be able to file a case in the ebay resolution center, but you can still file a case in Paypal. Make sure you file a "Not As Described" case (not an item no received case). Include your tracking number on the Paypal case. Don't communicate with the seller any more, don't accept any excuses or don't allow any more delays. Just follow through on the paypal case, to it's completion. If that doesn't work, you can also still file a chargeback through your credit card.

[1786davycrockett]

USPS does not track packages after they leave the United States -- that is the responsibility of the country to which the items are sent.  Your return was very likely loaded on the appropriate plane flying back to China, and is no longer in American territory.  USPS can not help you.

This a typical ploy used by many Chinese sellers.  You are probably left holding a very empty bag, and will receive NOTHING.

Don't buy from China!

[fab_finds4u]

There are methods that track to China. What method of shipping did you use? First Class package or a Small Flat Rate box doesn't track.  A Large Flat Rate box and  Caculated Priority tracks to most locations in China. Express or Registering will prove delivery to all locations there.

[andy7715]

Considering the seller has been nice, or seemingly so, I did contact them once more about the package. I told them it was more trouble than it had been worth and I wanted a refund. I checked and right now, I still can open a case through eBay's Resolution Center. I figure I'll give them until Monday and if no response by then, I'll go through eBay or PayPal. I really appreciate the suggestion on this, thanks very much.

[andy7715]

I tried tracking it through a few tracking sites that track different carriers and nothing was found but the last scan in Chicago. Usually Package 17Track or Universal Parcel Tracker work well, but neither show any advancement. 

I've bought from China many times and never had an issue before. I've been sent the wrong item before from sellers in the US. But this is the first time I've ever mailed back an item. But I've had packages get stuck in Charleston WV before. 

[andy7715]

I found the email for the return label. It says First Class Package Intl Svc. I shipped it back in the box it came in and that was the label I was emailed to put on it.

[candd205]

Save everything, including all your original communications with the seller to use when you file the Paypal case. The seller will very nicely ask you to wait a few more weeks while they mail the item to you, then you might accidentally wait a few more months, and lose your Paypal eligibility when the item never arrives. You have already waited long enough.

[andy7715]

They responded pretty quickly about the refund, although they didn't offer to do it. They have 100% positive feedback and nobody has left feedback saying they've had similar issues or otherwise. This was the response I got from them.

"Hi,

I'm sorry,
I'll try to ask the tracking number in China.The shipping time from USA to China more than a month before，And now the transportation time is longer than before, and the customs inspection is more strict.
So Please wait patiently. I will try my best to make a new bodys and mail it to you as soon as possible after receiving the package.
I'm not a bad seller,please trust me.
Regards."

[fab_finds4u]

All these people telling you to file a PayPal dispute is in my opinion worthless information. PayPal also requires tracking showing delivered. First Class International  doesn't ever provide tracking to China. The cheapest method that tracks to China costs over $50 for the lightest weight package. I wish you had come here first when you had an International return going to China.  You would've been told to forget about returning it unless you can prove delivery  with online viewable tracking methods. Without it the seller will lie and say they didn't get it. I know of no buyer a China seller has refunded when there was no tracking showing delivered.  Honesty is in short supply over there. 

[pjcdn2005]

I'm not familiar with the timeline as to how long before you can ask ebay to step in but since the seller sent you a return label that is not trackable to China, they are responsible for refunding you even though there will be no delivery confirmation.   If you were the one responsible for return shipping and purchased the label yourself, you would be responsible if the seller said they didn't receive the package back but since the seller was the one who provided the label, they are the ones who are risking non delivery and are supposed to refund regardless.

If I were you, I would probably contact ebay via ebay business on facebook or ebay on twitter and ask how you should proceed....that's assuming that you have opened a return request on ebay.  If you haven't done that, open one now and enter the tracking number in the case mentioning that the seller sent you that label via email.  You only have 30 days after originally delivery to open a case on ebay.  Once ebay customer service gives you a timeline, I would tell the seller that you would like a refund, not a replacement. By the time you receive a replacement...if you do receive it...the original claim will be closed so you will have no recourse if there is a problem.  You can always purchase the ones that you want after you have been refunded.

btw the above about the seller being responsible for the method of shipping is only true if you file through ebay. As another post mentioned, PP will require delivery regardless of who paid for the shipping.

[pjcdn2005]

How is it too long to file a claim on ebay?   The package was delivered on August 10..that's less than 30 days.