Issuing a refund for in-transit item: instructions to buyer?

[tikiwiki33]

The item in question was shipped on time, but has been delayed by USPS. I'm ok issuing a refund, but it would be nice to have my item back. Do I ask the buyer to refuse delivery? Paying for return shipping would put me in the red.

[tikiwiki33]

It was shipped parcel select, if that makes a difference.

[missjen831 · Accepted solution]

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@tikiwiki33 wrote:

The item in question was shipped on time, but has been delayed by USPS. I'm ok issuing a refund, but it would be nice to have my item back. Do I ask the buyer to refuse delivery? Paying for return shipping would put me in the red.

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Yes you can ask the buyer to refuse the package. You have no recourse if they decide to keep the item though. You can ask them to repay but they can't be forced to. How long has it been since the last tracking update? Everyone needs to be patient at this time of year and expect delays, are you sure you aren't jumping the gun here? If the buyer opened a case, you can call and get it put on hold.

[tikiwiki33]

Thanks. Normally I would wait, but I just realized I accidentally sent it parcel select instead of priority mail as indicated in the listing. In the long run, I'm not sure it would have made a difference, but I'm sure the buyer will have a different opinion on that ;). 

[missjen831]

Oh yeah that definitely changes things! I would go ahead & refund the buyer and ask them to refuse the package when it arrives. You could also contact the buyer first, and ask if they'd like to wait a little longer for the item to arrive & offer a refund of the shipping cost first. They might still want the item. If I was the buyer, I'd take a shipping refund & the item rather than a full refund and no item. If they don't want the item, I'd just refund and ask them to refuse the package. Good luck!

[tikiwiki33]

Thanks for the advice. I offered to refund the shipping, but unfortunately, the package has become lost in some USPS quagmire. I'll remember that for the future, though!

[missjen831]

Thanks for the update & sorry to hear that. Hopefully the package turns up!

[a_c_green]

How long ago did you ship the package? Why do you believe they lost it?

[a_c_green]

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@a_c_green wrote:

How long ago did you ship the package? Why do you believe they lost it?

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@tikiwiki33: Have there been any updates to the tracking since then?

[tikiwiki33]

Tracking was finally updated today. It arrived at the destination this morning 9 days late and  "in a thousand pieces" (per my buyer.)  Over the last 2 weeks it's been in and out of Florida (the destination) 3 times.  Ugg. I'm ready to wash my hands of this whole mess. Thanks for the help, though! Hopefully, my next transaction will be better.

[rixstuff]

Why would you refund before it arrives to the buyer?  Just let it get delivered.  You may respond to any disputes opened with the tracking from the USPS.  Too many buyers these days are confusing us with Amazon and expecting overnight delivery without paying for it.

[rixstuff]

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@tikiwiki33 wrote:

Thanks. Normally I would wait, but I just realized I accidentally sent it parcel select instead of priority mail as indicated in the listing. In the long run, I'm not sure it would have made a difference, but I'm sure the buyer will have a different opinion on that ;). 

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If it makes you feel any better even priority is taking forever and a day.  "2-3 day" is more like "3-5 day" by the POs own admission.  And remember it is EBAY putting the delivery estimates on listings, not the sellers. We would never be so foolish as to promise delivery when we have no control over how the PO handles the package once we drop it off with them.

[berserkerplanet]

For future reference:
Parcel Select (and Media Mail) does not include free return postage - if refused (or undeliverable) it will come back to you postage due. Priority and First Class Mail do include return postage.

Something to keep in mind when choosing Parcel Select over Priority when prices are comparable (Priority free $50/$100 insurance and return postage included.)

Almost forgot: there is also a $3 additional fee on Parcel Select returns.