Strange Package Return

[kenkrawford]

I mailed a Priority Mail 2 day package on 12/8/2017.    USPS tracking shows Delivered, In/At Mailbox on  12/11/17.   On 12/12 it shows DELIVERY STATUS NOT UPDATED and on 12/22 is shows RETURN TO SENDER PROCESSED.  I received the package back today.

I used Ebay shipping to generate a label so I assume the address was correct.

I'm totally confused and would appreciate any insight before contacting the buyer.

[duchess-at-speakeasy]

Buyers have been known to provide incorrect addresses; eBay cannot and does not control the correctness.

Possibly the person at that address finally got around to rejecting a package addressed to a former tenant. Or possibly the mail carrier mis-scanned as "delivered" when in fact he/she meant "notice left" and brought the package back to the PO. Packages unclaimed after about 10 days are returned to the sender unless there's a vacation hold.

I suggest you contact the buyer immediately.

~~C~~

[thallidguy]

There should have been some kind of notation, although brief and cryptic, about why the package was returned to you.

Although it sounds to me, based on the information that you have given, that the package was delivered. Then someone at that address decided to have it returned to you, for whatever reason.

[kenkrawford]

Hand written on the box is RTCK, RTS and SA.  Each set of initials were circled.  The only one I can guess at is RTS - Return To Sender.

[thallidguy]

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@kenkrawford wrote:

Hand written on the box is RTCK, RTS and SA.  Each set of initials were circled.  The only one I can guess at is RTS - Return To Sender.

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Yeah, brief and cryptic. I don't know what those mean, either.

The baseline in this situation is that you got a Delivered scan, so that covers you in terms of Seller Protection.

[kenkrawford]

Here's something else weird I just noticed - On Ebay after the sellers name it says "Member since: Aug-25-07 in Estonia".   When I check the transaction on Paypal,  it shows the same name under PAID BY but the SHIPPED TO name is completely different.

[a_c_green]

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@kenkrawford wrote:

Here's something else weird I just noticed - On Ebay after the sellers name it says "Member since: Aug-25-07 in Estonia".   When I check the transaction on Paypal,  it shows the same name under PAID BY but the SHIPPED TO name is completely different.

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That's most likely a reshipper that refused the package for some reason. Either the buyer's account with them expired, or there was some problem with the package, such as no identifying number or other info to show which of their customers was supposed to receive it. Did your mailing address include any kind of account number or other identifier that obviously wasn't part of your typical mailing address?

Sometimes the additional ID code they want is sent in a separate email which you hopefully saw (if sent). There is a secondary optional field in the eBay shipping form, specifically for adding optional details such as listing numbers.

If you can't get any response from the buyer, I would just refund and cancel as Problem with Address... which there was.

[gone_4_good]

Was the address a PO box? if yes the buyer could have let the rent lapse and their mail was returned
It is also possible that the buyer refused delivery

Once the package is returned it is not your fault and eBay protects you.
Go to Paypal and Refund the buyer minus the original shipping and fees. Message the buyer telling them you are doing this,

[thallidguy]

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@a_c_green wrote:

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@kenkrawford wrote:

Here's something else weird I just noticed - On Ebay after the sellers name it says "Member since: Aug-25-07 in Estonia".   When I check the transaction on Paypal,  it shows the same name under PAID BY but the SHIPPED TO name is completely different.

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That's most likely a reshipper that refused the package for some reason. Either the buyer's account with them expired, or there was some problem with the package, such as no identifying number or other info to show which of their customers was supposed to receive it. Did your mailing address include any kind of account number or other identifier that obviously wasn't part of your typical mailing address?

Sometimes the additional ID code they want is sent in a separate email which you hopefully saw (if sent). There is a secondary optional field in the eBay shipping form, specifically for adding optional details such as listing numbers.

If you can't get any response from the buyer, I would just refund and cancel as Problem with Address... which there was.

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Or possibly a friend/relative in the US who was supposed to receive and either forward or hold the item for the buyer. And there was miscommunication or a falling out.... 

[monster-deals]

Don't do anything unless the buyer contacts you.

Refusing the package disqualifies them from the MBG.

[kenkrawford]

No PO Box.  From Google maps it appears the address is a commercial building or apartment.   I shipped via Paypal and used the address they supplied.  I didn't receive any other ID or account numbers.  I sent the buyer a message via Ebay today but haven't heard back yet.

Thanks to everyone who offered ideas & opinions.  Much appreciated.

[kenkrawford]

Just to close this thread - I heard from the buyer today.  There should have been an apartment number in the address.  I'm re-shipping today.  All's well.

Thanks again for your feedback.