SELLERS should be FORCED to DISCLOSE if a SIGNATURE IS REQUIRED

[trainer-phoenix]

I'd like some feedback on a problem I've had in which I think there is an obvious solution.  As I do not have a lot of experience with Ebay transactions, I thought the community may help refine my own thoughts.

The Problem:

I purchased a $60 Pokémon card from Japan, and after waiting for a few weeks a notice was left on my door about a failed delivery attempt from USPS.  While looking at redelivery and pickup options, I learned that this post office is only open 10am-5pm Monday through Friday.  Because I work as a medical assistant, my hours are 8am-5pm Monday through Friday.  A back and forth between the seller revealed that their policy is anything above $30 must require a signature.  There was no mention of this in their listing or through messages.  This is obviously a huge inconvenience for me since I must either take a day off of work or compensate someone else for going to the post office with a signed slip from me, serving as my representative.  I am unable to take off of work once the schedule is posted, so I will be using the latter option.  The price of this card dropped $31 before it left Japan, on the sellers own listings, which the seller could not compensate for due to their own purchase cost of the card.  I agreed that was reasonable, but being unable to receive my delivery is certainly adding salt to the wound.  This is the first time I have had a package held at the post office after a failed delivery and I find the situation stressful as well as extremely unplesent.

The Solution:

Ebay should make it a requirement to disclose if a signature will be required for small value purchases.  This would add clarity to listings, put the option into the hands of the seller, and protect the buyer from being placed in an inconvenient predicament.

Thoughts?

[trainer-phoenix]

I had to read this a couple times before I understood it.  I would totally assume if I was asked for a signature that it was the seller's policy.  I had no idea that customs could just randomly require it independent of the sellers wishes.  That is a problem for international sellers.  I just started a shop on Ebay, and I am going to stick with US only for ease. 

Thanks again for all the feedback, I learned a bunch about this topic.

[spark-chaser1]

OH - one more thing. If your order is shipped via USPS, your carrier is supposed to leave a PS form 3849 on your door or in your mailbox if you aren't around to receive your package.  In most ( but not all) cases, you CAN authorise another individual to pick up your item. They need to have the slip and photo ID to do so.

[wastingtime101 · Accepted solution]

Hey @trainer-phoenix - are you signed up for Informed Delivery with USPS?

https://www.usps.com/manage/informed-delivery.htm

If you can't sign for a package in person, register your digital signature online, and we'll drop off your Signature Required package in your mailbox or preferred delivery location.

You can use USPS Electronic Signature Online® with Priority Mail Express®, Signature Confirmation™, and insured items over $500. You'll still need to sign for other services that require signature upon delivery (like Registered Mail®, Certified Mail®, and Adult Signature Required). See USPS Electronic Signature Online for full details.

It won't help you with this package because the signature is not required due to insured value, sig conf purchased through USPS (this is an international order) or Express service, but it could help you out with other packages shipped domestically. Thought it was worth mentioning.

[spark-chaser1]

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@trainer-phoenix wrote:

I had to read this a couple times before I understood it.  I would totally assume if I was asked for a signature that it was the seller's policy.  I had no idea that customs could just randomly require it independent of the sellers wishes.  That is a problem for international sellers.  I just started a shop on Ebay, and I am going to stick with US only for ease. 

Thanks again for all the feedback, I learned a bunch about this topic.

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 Yes- unfortunately, as a seller you could find yourself with an angry foreign buyer who gets nasty that you put SigCon on their order, and charged them extra duties, when you really did neither. 

Just one of the many pitfalls of doing business between different countries with different policies, taxes, prohibitions, and what-have-you.

In your case, I agree that the seller should have disclosed that they require a signature. But outside of that, it's anyone's guess what will happen once it reaches the customs agencies of either country, and they are the final arbiter of who signs for what.

[trainer-phoenix]

I tried to use a service online but it gives me this error message that "the address is not the same as the scheduled deliver address."  I will try to sign up with that link for future conveniences.

[joliztoyco]

You are 100% correct. The seller should have CLEARLY  stated signature confirmation would be required. And no. You shouldn't         " assume " that every overseas shipment will require it.  Because they don't. It is the sellers individual policy. Which they don't make readily visible as it would cost them sales.

You wouldn't have bought it. Neither would I. 

[buyselljack2016]

@trainer-phoenix 

...

[wastingtime101]

Jack's friendly. He just wanted to say "hi." 😁

[yuzuha]

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@spark-chaser1 wrote:

With international shipping, Sig Confirmation is often required due to customs regulations. That is out of a seller's control. 

Anyone purchasing internationally should automatically assume the possibility of not only signature confirmation, but in some cases, added customs charges/ duties as well.

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Correct. EMS shipments in particular require a signature-- my family members frequently end up having to sign for my crane game prize packages that arrive while I'm at work.

[titipeo]

Buyers should be aware of situations like this where a parcel will require a signature. You can always use a different address to have items shipped to, such as your work address, family or friend address, as well as a PO box. Whenever ordering expensive items I always have it delivered to my work address.  

[jbdownthe-93]

I will not receive packages that require a signature. If a seller pulls this crap, it's going to be a return to sender, and I *AM* charging back the shipping cost for 100% refund. Sorry. I just need all of my money back.

[vinwood01]

You should have an option, on your notification, to allow the PO to deliver the package w/o a signature.

[simba6]

The seller is only trying to insure you receive your purchase.  The quality of service with shippers is way down and too many items are getting lost.   I do understand it can be an issue for buyers to sign for items.

Over thirty years ago, UPS required you to sign for every package.

[kh_nipun]

Hi everyone,

Due to the age of this thread, it has been closed to further replies. Please feel free to start a new thread if you wish to continue to discuss this topic.

Thank you for understanding.