eBay

740miket · ‎03-13-2021

I recently sold three lots of books to different buyers. They were all sent media mail withing a few days of each other. One arrived safely in three days. The other two have been stuck at separate locations in transit for 7 days with no movement (since March 6). Should I be concerned? I can't say I have seen this type of delay before. Is it more common now for USPS to lose packages or delay them for extended periods? I am not feeling confident in the USPS right now.

simba6 · ‎03-13-2021

Media mail is the slowest way there is to ship. Delays like that have become common with all the shipping services. I would not worry yet. Your buyer might start to get a bit yippy however.

no_zero369 · ‎03-13-2021

@740miket

Nothing to get too excited about, just yet. Delays still in the system from COVID, etc.

Your choice as to what to do next:

Wait it out and hope the buyers do not file item not received cases (INR). If they do, you can usually contact eBay and ask for an extension of time to act on the INR case.
Commence the 3-part Missing Mail process with USPS - sometimes jars things loose, but with massive delays these often get 'canned' replies. But being proactive can help.
Notify the buyers of the delays up front and ask for their patience. Showing them that you filed a MM process (which shows on USPS tracking page) can demonstrate to buyers that you are doing something and earn some patience. Note this is a 3 part process, don't stop after the 2nd step.

Now, if you do get an INR case and it gets closed against you before the package is delivered, one can consider paying for a Package Intercept to get the item back. Once refunded, buyer is under no obligation (other than conscience) to repay for the item. Many see 'ripping off' a BIG business like eBay as just deserts. Sigh.

So that is the long version of what is possible here. Hope you made it this far! Good luck!

740miket · ‎03-14-2021

Thanks for that advice. The tracking on the USPS site has an additional update for March 10 on both items. Doesn't say where, but it was scanned somewhere. Might hold off on the MM for a couple more days. I will be proactive with the buyers and hope for the best. Thanks again.

no_zero369 · ‎03-14-2021

Oh, if you have tracking that recent, there is no way eBay would force a return on an INR case. But IF it gets filed THEN you would contact CS and hopefully get the extension of time.

But hopefully that recent movement means the package is up and moving again!

Good luck!