USPS tracking problem and buyer complaint

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Watch out for tguds_4 (feedback score 19, including my positive feedback which I wish I could retract). For some reason, USPS did not scan my First Class package on 11/06 and no tracking info has been available in the system. Since it was picked up by my carrier on 11/06, it should have been delivered by now (typically for First Class). However, the package did not arrive by 11/10 (Saturday, today) and the buyer filed a request for a refund. I am amazed that eBay let her do that within such a short period of time. What is up with this??? My normal shipping and handling is 2 days. I shipped this package the next day! What a pain in the ... I am sure the package is just lost in the USPS system and will no doubt arrive late. Anyway, here is what happened (I commiserated with my daughter on this whole experience):

I cannot believe what I went through selling the new-without-tag, never-worn Old Navy leggings. I got a picky bratty buyer who I tried to accommodate by decreasing my price and offering First Class (cheaper) shipping instead of Priority shipping. She was whiny from the getgo. I packed the item and bought the shipping label immediately after she paid and then I scheduled it for a next day pickup by USPS. However, for some reason, USPS never scanned the package and although it had a tracking number assigned, the tracking info was never available. This is very rare but does occur. So... this (expletive deleted) kept bugging me because tracking info wasn't showing up. I checked with USPS and sure enough no tracking available; only the record of my First Class shipping label purchase. Good grief. Anyway, eBay let this person file a request for a refund today even though in the past they used to have a policy of not letting people get a refund so quickly. This (expletive deleted) will most likely get the package Tuesday since the blasted package probably got hung up with voting day, fires, and then this Monday's Veterans holiday. No telling. USPS is not perfect. (I just refunded her the whole $13.29 since she is a royal pain.) Most of my eBay transactions have been good; nothing like this. Amazing.

Here is what the buyer wrote in eBay: (what a nerve; she sounds illiterate)

Nov. 10

The buyer didn't receive the item (shipped Nov. 6)

Buyer requested: A refund

Comments:

"she said she shipped no records in usps and tracking is invalid i called postal not in there system just a big mess of non honesty wow took my money n didnt even ship out please refund ty"

Here is my response: (I could not help myself; I'm seeing red.)

"I AM NOT DISHONEST. I SHIPPED THIS ITEM FIRST CLASS. It is completely OUT OF MY CONTROL with USPS. You have been very rude and I do not need this kind of stress. I am happy to refund your money. Enjoy your free, never-worn leggings when the package arrives."

[lintbrush*]

You took this personally.  It's business.

Customer ordered something.  They don't see that it's shipped.  

You had 3 full business days from the opening of the INR before you had to refund.  You jumped the gun.

You also have no idea if the carrier lost it.  Did you leave it for pick-up?  Could it have been stolen?  You should have waited to see if it turned up this weekend.

Also, you could've contacted your buyer and explained the situation in a professional manner.  "I am sorry they haven't arrived yet.  The leggins shipped on November 6 and I'm not sure why the USPS hasn't scanned the package yet.  It was picked up by my carrier that day.  I understand your concern, and even though it's rare, sometimes USPS drops the ball with scanning.  If it doesn't show up by Tuesday or Wednesday, I'll refund you.  I'll start a missing mail report in the meantime.   I will follow up with you if I find out more information.  Your seller,"

[ed8108]

Selling on eBay is really more stressful than list, get paid, ship and 

not everyone is really suited to be a ebay seller. 

[fern*wood]

Things happen---we all have to learn to deal with issues by using the protections available and being professional even if the inquiry isn't.    Some will try to take advantage of a newish seller with the hope of getting a quick refund.   This may have ended in a refund anyway, but there was some time available to you to avoid doing so.

[adsta22]

Too much drama

[muttlymob]

Was your label flat without any wrinkles or creases?  Was it completely, firmly attached to the package?  Was it protected from getting wet? (especially important for inkjet printed labels)

Sometimes these packages that don't get scanned into the system or only get few of the normal scans are due to illegible barcodes and tracking numbers.

[creekcoyote]

And not everyone is suitable to be an E-bay buyer, either.

[gdiesel70]

So sorry you had to deal with a toxic buyer. I hate it when customers breathe down my neck like that.
I want to tell them to chill the [four-letter-word] out and quit babysitting the tracking history. But I've learned to accept (and adapt to) this *special* kind of difficult/needy/irrational/never-satisfied/nitpick/time-consuming buyer that's drawn to this platform.

I'm surprised they were able to open up a refund request in such a short time span.  I tell customers to please be patient as there may be delays due to wildfires, holidays, etc. and if not received by a certain date I'll refund in full. 

I see this was a scheduled pickup for 11/6. I had three that were picked up (USPS email confirms 3 were picked up) on 11/6 but none show scan/tracking history. I'm wondering if your customer did receive the item and is taking advantage of what appears to be a USPS tracking glitch?