Package returned for "Forward time expired" from USPS ... Okay, now what?!?

[mr_lincoln]

I received a package today that was returned to me with a label on it stating "Forward time expired".  The label had the Buyer's name but a different address, which I assume was a forwarding address the Buyer set up.  I reached out to them via eBay messaging asking if they relocated during the transaction but have not heard back yet.

I checked the pull down menu on the Order in Seller Hub, there is NO choice to Send an invoice in the case the Buyer still wants the item but will need to pay the shipping again.

This is the first of its kind for me so I am just waiting to see what happens next ... eBay tracking does NOT show any delivery or attempted delivery to the Buyer so I feel exposed if an INR claim is filed.  I'm fine if they file one and I refund, I'm on record via the message about the Forwarding issue but I am concerned about a possible defect through no fault of my own.  Tracking history is NO help, its not even showing the item is In transit ...

[lamber9347]

@mr_lincoln No there is no option to send an invoice for a second shipping. You first need to wait to hear back from the buyer. Then you can refund and it they still want the item you simply relist and they purchase a second time. You can then charge for the fees you were out due to their error. That's if they still want it. 

If they open an INR all you have to do is enter the tracking, which will show it was in transit then returned to sender. This was an issue with buyer's address, nothing you can do about that. You have your item back so if you refund you aren't out anything except the fees, which unless this was a high dollar item should not be that much. I think you came out okay here as it could have been a much worse scenario. Best of luck to you....

[mr_lincoln]

Thank you @lamber9347 , this item was not a high dollar one but was shipped Priority Mail which is about $ 8.  The item was about $ 18 so fees aren't too bad BUT they would cut in to profit when I resell it ... about $ 3, but still substantial considering the sale price.