Tracking says "Tendered to Returns Agent"

[spartansoles]

I sold an item on April 14 and purchased a USPS Ground Advantage label from eBay. I dropped off the package the next day where it was accepted and I see later made it to the distribution center. The next morning (April 16),  the tracking was updated to say, "Tendered to Returns Agent - The Postal Service no longer has the item and no further tracking updates are expected." I thought it might have been scanned wrong, but sure enough, there have been no updates since then.

Any idea of what might be going on? I've sold for more than 12 years and never had this happen before. Appreciate any advice the community has!

[mtgraves7984]

I hope you haven't stumped the whole panel, but I've never heard of such. Sit tight for posters with knowledge. Good luck.

[casprrr]

"Tendered to Returns Agent" means that the package is being returned to sender. This can be for a number of reasons - incorrect address, insufficient postage, banned contents, damaged package, etc. I hope this helps answer your question.

[spartansoles]

Thanks for your response! I wanted to address some of the things you mentioned.

1. I confirmed the address with the buyer so that should be OK.
2. As for insufficient postage, the item weighed only 10 oz. and paid for 12 oz. so it shouldn't be that.
3. It was just a t-shirt so it isn't banned contents or anything like that.
4. Hopefully the package hasn't been damaged, but I have no way of knowing.

I haven't received it back in the mail yet and it was tendered to the returns agent in my city 5 days ago. Would I get any updates on the tracking when it is returned/delivered?

[monfe-chi]

Call USPS 1-800-ASK-USPS

[spartansoles]

I went to my local post office and spoke with the manager after getting nowhere over the phone. Apparently, the package was sent to a returns agent by mistake along with some other packages. And now it will take a week or more for the package to return and then get shipped out again.