What happens next? USPS shows no updates and INR filed, but buyer supplied wrong zip code per USPS

[Anonymous]

I sold item on 11/27/20 and shipped using eBay labels (Priority Mail) to buyers address on file.

All seemed fine until 12/3/20 . Here is USPS tracking

12/3/20 3:49am "Arrived at Post Office" New York NY 10022

12/3/20  7:10am "Out for Delivery"  New York NY 10022

12/3/20 10:21am "Arrived at USPS Facility" New York NY 10022

12/4/20  1:10am "Awaiting Delivery Scan" - no location listed

On 12/13/20 Buyer files INR and leaves negative feedback.  On same day I filed service request for missing mail with USPS. The eBay INR case said action required by 12/17 so I called eBay to have the "extra 10 days" on this case and they extended until 12/24/20.

Then on 12/18/20 I get voicemail from Post office in NY (10022) that package had wrong zip code for address listed. Correct zip code should have been 10017 for the listed address. She said package was sent to the Grand Central Office (10017) for delivery and she gave me a phone number to call ( that had full voicemail box )I was  unable to leave message.

I contacted buyer about what Post Office in NY told me about wrong zip code and he writes back "Apparently I did".  Package has his office address- with wrong zip code-  and now gives me his home address saying to deliver to either.

I then tried to contact eBay again to inform them of the problem I have now discovered with the address.  Unfortunately the support person seemed  to be confused with all I explained. He said he updated the case file but left me with no direction or confidence on what would now happen.

[rebell45]

As eBay will say "cost of doing business on eBay". Refund the buyer and move on.  As far as the package goes, maybe there'll be a Christmas Miracle. 

[Anonymous]

I understand "cost of doing business on eBay" response.  But just moving on does not set well with me.

So buyer has INR and I end up refunding $190.00 .  

What about the seller protection for shipping to "eBay provided buyer address" and the address has a wrong zip code ?  Seems buyer should hold some of the responsibility for not being delivered. And getting negative feedback for late/lost package delivery with USPS.   All of this I have not control of.

[Anonymous]

My deadline for this case is coming up.  My understanding is if I do not voluntarily refund then the eBay bots will refund the buyer and I get defect on my account. (Plus the already left negative feedback)

The USPS problems are well documented and the main issue.  I the seller have done nothing wrong.

The buyer by entering the incorrect zip code has really complicated the delivery process.  The package does show out for delivery back on 12/3/20. This is when it was discovered that the package - as addressed - could not be delivered.  Now package was supposed to be sent to 10017 zip code for delivery but has fallen into a deep dark hole.

What would be the next step to take ?  

[closeoutsgeneralmerchandise]

Sorry to  hear,

and I'm mad about 2 refunds  Ebay charged me for @ $30 Each while still in USPS SYSTEM.

I thought buying shipping from Ebay protected sellers. 

[therogue-trader]

Over the summer, I had a package sent to me by a buddy over in Europe and he put the wrong zip code (I'm in MA and the zip was for somewhere further south along the coast), but USPS was smart and forwarded it to the proper place as the rest of the address was correct.  What should happen is, if the address your buyer provided doesn't exist in the zip code they declared, the package bounces back to you or USPS forwards it to the right destination, but with all the delays and USPS 'imploding' it's hard to say what is happening/will actually happen.

You'll probably be forced to refund the buyer though, it seems like it's 'fallen into a black hole' as you say.

[donsdetour]

well you enter the tracking number in the case showing waiting delivery scan:

contact eBay and tell them this.

Refusal to pick up is non acceptance of item. voids the buyer guarantee.

[monster-deals]

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@rebell45 wrote:

As eBay will say "cost of doing business on eBay". Refund the buyer and move on. 

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Dear lord do not do that.

If the buyer didn't use the correct address this falls on the buyer.

[buyselljack2016]

@Anonymous 

For a $190 sale, one route  would be to initiate a "package intercept" with USPS. There is a fee if successful, but less than giving away the item.

Otherwise, you refund, then the buyer picks up the item.