Return Could Not Be Delivered

[andrew54677]

Quite a complicated situation now...

I bought a phone; ended up being a scam. Buyer had returns set up, so I shipped it back to them. Now USPS is givingn me a "Delivery Attempt: Action Needed" error message. It says that the return was attempted to be delivered but no one was there to accept it.

Problem is, the seller is obviously not cooperating. They knowingly sent me a blacklisted phone, and I'm sure are experienced doing this sort of thing. They have not replied once since I actually recieved the phone, which includes me inquiry into when I should set up the redelivery. 

So what can I do about this? I'm guessing what they're trying to do is avoid actually recieving it so that they don't have to issue a refund. If they simply won't allow me to give it back them through the mail, I'm lost as to what I can do at this point.

[mkaczorsee]

Not really complicated. 

They weren’t home. The USPS will leave a notice and attempt 2x times before they send back to sender. 

Watch the tracking and when you see “being returned to sender” call CS and hopefully you will be able to get your refund as delivery was attempted. 

[orangehound]

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@andrew54677 wrote:

So what can I do about this? I'm guessing what they're trying to do is avoid actually recieving it so that they don't have to issue a refund. If they simply won't allow me to give it back them through the mail, I'm lost as to what I can do at this point.

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A couple of quick points:

• My guess is that the item was sent with a signature needed for delivery, or there is no secure location to leave the package.  As noted by the poster above, a notice would have been left with instructions on how to get the package ... the USPS, I've noticed, is no longer automatically re-attempting delivery in my region, but expects the recipient to either pick up the package or schedule another delivery day.  The USPS will hold a package for about 15 days after the original delivery attempt before returning it to the sender.
• Some sellers on eBay use email addresses that are rarely checked ... so, it is possible that your seller just isn't seeing your communications.   If you suspect this to be the case and want to escalate the communications, you can call eBay customer service and have them provide the seller's phone number to you.

Now, in the eBay world, an attempted delivery is the same as a delivery.  So, if the package is indeed not picked up by your seller, then you can call eBay customer service and ask them to close the return based on the attempted delivery ... they will then work behind the scenes to ensure that you get your refund.

[creoleorchid]

When you said buyer had returns set up, I assume you mean the seller had a return policy and you did not go through eBay’s resolution center? 

If that’s the case, you need to go right now and open a return request using Not as Described as the reason. Enter the tracking number into the case field provided. 

If you DID open a return through eBay, then you need to call them on the phone and tell the rep to read the information in the tracking details.  If you are just now opening a return, you may need to wait a few days before you can escalate.

[andrew54677]

Yes, I just went through the buyer's return policy and not the resolution center.

When I go to it, it says that a return request is already open for the item and won't let me take any further action.

[missjen831]

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@andrew54677 wrote:

Yes, I just went through the buyer's return policy and not the resolution center.

When I go to it, it says that a return request is already open for the item and won't let me take any further action.

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If a return request is already opened, then you went through eBay. Did you pay for return shipping yourself? If you did, you have to upload the tracking number to the return. If you got a prepaid label, the tracking should have been uploaded for you. @andrew54677 Assuming the tracking is uploaded to the return, just call customer service and they will issue your refund.