What happens if you go over the deadline to return an item because USPS has still not scanned it?

[ericjas1985]

I used the free eBay return label provided for my case. I returned the item to the post office lobby 1 day before the deadline date that eBay says I have to return the item, which is December 18. USPS still has not scanned my return package into their system! Possibly they are so backed up with Christmas packages they have not gotten to scan it yet. What happens if the deadline passes for returning an item but it is not my fault?  

[kensgiftshop]

If the package isn't scanned by the date Ebay gave to return it, seller can call and have the return closed.

[mtgraves7984]

I'd rely on @kensgiftshop . 

If it's any consolation, returns sent 1 day before the deadline cause problems/worries for sellers, too.

[parkersparrow]

You might try messaging the seller that the package is on its way and when you shipped it. Next time I would advise you to go to the post office and have the clerk scan the package and give you a receipt. Especially if it's so close to the return by date.

[buyselljack2016]

@ericjas1985 

If the seller is watching the clock they can get the return close in their favor the minute the time for scan runs out. You do not have until the end of the last day shown for a return. The time for the scan is based on the exact time that the return was approved.

I am dealing with a return at this very moment.  I was heading out for the day, and I approved the return very early in the AM. Like 8AM.  The buyer had until 7:59:59AM on the 17th to get a scan on the return.  Nothing has happened at this time. I will not get eBay involved at this point. I will give the buyer a grace period.

I would not alert the seller to the fact that you did not get a scan.

If the case closes in eBay because the scan was not in time you should be able to open one in PP, and provide the tracking # used to return the item.

[edwedw8383]

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@ericjas1985 wrote:

I used the free eBay return label provided for my case. I returned the item to the post office lobby 1 day before the deadline date that eBay says I have to return the item, which is December 18.

USPS still has not scanned my return package into their system! What happens if the deadline passes for returning an item but it is not my fault?  

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This has been discussed @ericjas1985 repeatedly, for example again, when alan@ebay recently wrote:

A buyer is not eligible for a refund through the eBay Money Back Guarantee if they do not ship the return back to you within the timeframe provided.

• If the buyer later can show they shipped the return within the 5 business days they are given, then a refund would be expected upon delivery.

[T]he 3 day review period would not apply when the original case has been closed and we are reviewing an appeal for the buyer. A seller is typically not notified of a buyer's appeal and they cannot access the appeal to respond or refund. We will process [i.e. FORCE] a refund from the seller if we have received proof that the buyer shipped the item back in the time they were provided, and return delivery confirmation is confirmed.

[richard1rst]

As a seller who runs into the situation you have described I have to wonder:

If you knew you wanted to return it, and you are expecting a refund, why did it take you 9 days to finally get it shipped?

And as suggested by others, if I was the seller then one minute past the deadline I am going to call to close the case. Not my fault, and not my expense, that you dragged your feet.