Losing Money due to Shipping Delays

[tomshirley6]

Is there anything I can do to protect myself from customers filing an INR very quickly after a missed delivery date? I have lost some money recently due to refunding money for shipping delays.  Here is my most recent example:   Today, Friday, May 21, I refunded money to a customer (who has over 3000 in feedback) who did not receive his Media Mail package on Wednesday, May 19. He paid May 12, and I shipped May 13. Last tracking information is Memphis on May 18.  Isn't there something about a customer needing to wait 7 days after no movement before filing an INR?   I always use eBay mailing, so my customers always have their tracking information.  I don't accept returns because my items are usually pretty cheap, and it always seemed like it would simply be throwing good money after bad.  In fact I do not even know how to do a return through eBay.  I did recently have a customer who wanted to resend her payment because she got her package very quickly after I had issued her a refund.  Is that even possible?  To have to refund money for shipping delays is very discouraging. Because my reputation means a great deal to me, I hit refund just as soon as any INR comes in without questioning it. I would appreciate any advice or insight you could give to me. Thank you.

[rebell45]

Other than adding a day or two to your handling time and adding a disclaimer to your description, there is not a lot you can do with Media Mail.  Saying something in your description asking the buyer to be patient with the PO and to allow a couple extra days might help in some cases.

As to the buyer repaying you, unless you can get her your PP email address or phone number, about the only thing she could do is send a check or MO by mail.

[tomshirley6]

Thank you so much for your feedback.  I claim a three day handling time, but fortunately I have usually been able to ship next business day . And  what I told the buyer that wanted to send back my money--I thanked her for her offer, but said I did not think it was possible.  I did not say this to her, but I did not want to go outside of eBay.

[gotta-have-it-collectables]

When people bother me in a few days after I ship an item especially media mail I just ignore the where is my package ? This isn't amazon.  You are not responsible for shipping delays. And forgot refund s.  Most packages show up sooner or later 😁

[tomshirley6 · Accepted solution]

You're right! The packages usually show up very quickly after I have refunded! Thank you!