Package being returned "no such number "

[eltondawn]

I shipped an order last week, & went in this morning to look at the tracking to see when it was being delivered. It says USPS deemed it "no such number" & "return to sender". According to USPS website that is a valid address, so I'm not sure what the problem is yet. The package is being returned to me today according to the tracking info. I know I will need to reach out to the buyer, but I've never had this happen so I want to determine my next steps... if it is the Post Office's fault do I have to pay for shipping again? if it is the buyer's fault do they pay again for shipping? 

[teth_1615]

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@eltondawn wrote:

It says USPS deemed it "no such number" & "return to sender".

According to USPS website that is a valid address, so I'm not sure what the problem is yet.

I know I will need to reach out to the buyer, but I've never had this happen so I want to determine my next steps. 

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It might be a mis-scan if that's a valid address, and so actually already delivered.

No @eltondawn do not contact the buyer, don't wake the sleeping bear. Wait for them to contact you.

If they start an Item Not Received refund request, upload the tracking number again. eBay considers Return to Sender to be delivered, and will close the case without a refund. After that, you can help your buyer, if the item actually came back.

[richard1rst]

Do a Google search for the address. It might be a multi-tenant building (apartment, business complex, etc) where in addition to the street number an apartment or suite number is also required.  The USPS uses a preprinted form and "no suite number" may not be on the form so "no such number" is the closest choice available.

IF that is the case then it is the buyer's fault got not providing a COMPLETE address. If they want it re-shipped you are fair to request additional shipping charges.

[eltondawn]

@richard1rst @teth_1615 

Now I'm thinking I may have been scammed, although I don't see any actual benefit the buyer may get from this. But there are definitely negative results for me all around.

1. I got home from work to find a slip in my mailbox saying that there is a package for me at the Post Office, and I owe $5.80 postage to pick it up.

2.  I looked at the buyer's profile now on Ebay and the account was just created on the day of their purchase. 

So now my concern is that it was a fraudulent purchase, and I'm going to get hit with refunding the full amount, including the original shipping, PLUS now I'm out $5.80 that I have to pay the Post Office to get my item back!

As for the address - USPS.com has it as a valid address when I use their tool to look up zip codes (I use that link frequently to verify addresses at work) - but when I go to street view on Google maps, it looks like that would match up to the side of a corner house that faces the other street. 

[12345jamesstamps]

.I

I have gotten some every week now.  I lost count this year.

Do not open a "can of worms".

Let buyer email you first.

Do not reach out to buyer.

Let buyer reach out to you.

Take photo of return item and send it to buyer AFTER buyer asks in an email 'where's my item?'

The old "Return to Sender🎶🎶Address Unknown" scenario.

[richard1rst]

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@eltondawn wrote:

@richard1rst @teth_1615 

Now I'm thinking I may have been scammed, although I don't see any actual benefit the buyer may get from this. But there are definitely negative results for me all around.

1. I got home from work to find a slip in my mailbox saying that there is a package for me at the Post Office, and I owe $5.80 postage to pick it up. (see below)

2.  I looked at the buyer's profile now on Ebay and the account was just created on the day of their purchase. 

So now my concern is that it was a fraudulent purchase, and I'm going to get hit with refunding the full amount, including the original shipping, (NO - undelliverable mail you can deduct the shipping costs) PLUS now I'm out $5.80 that I have to pay the Post Office to get my item back!

As for the address - USPS.com has it as a valid address when I use their tool to look up zip codes (I use that link frequently to verify addresses at work) - but when I go to street view on Google maps, it looks like that would match up to the side of a corner house that faces the other street. 

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Typically undeliverable mail is returned at no cost. So when you visit the post office ask them WHY you owe money. (Although I do not use it and therefore do not know for sure - was this Media Mail by any chance? That might not be free returns.)

[12345jamesstamps]

Returns cost nothing...I get them every week now.

Should be returned to you for free.

"It sounds like maybe the buyer is returning the item maybe and has a postage due."

That's a hard decision to make...accept a return from a buyer to pay postage due...is it a rock(s)?

Refusing the return with postage due...would that give you a "ding" on your account?

Others here might be able to answer that.

[eltondawn]

Thanks, I will ask the PO why. It was media mail, a $30 recipe book. So $5.80 takes a huge chunk out of any profits on the sale even if it goes through.

My concern about the refund (and being forced to refund even their shipping) is - if this person just created the account the day of purchase, and they gave an address that isn't valid, what are the odds that they used someone else's credit or debit card to pay for it?

I still can't imagine a scenario where this profits them though if they didn't receive the item. 

[eltondawn]

Thanks. I won't message the buyer. I'll wait to hear from either the buyer or eBay.