Lost $20 item on eBay as a seller?

shu4040 · April 10, 2013 7:30AM

Hi I sold a $20 item and shipped first class, no tracking. Buyer says item did't arrive. I have no idea. Do I just have to refund and move on?

Thanks

wrestlingcardking · April 10, 2013 7:43AM

refund him or ask to wait a few more days if the buyer agrees just to be sure it does not show up.....

JoeBanzai · April 10, 2013 8:29AM

Why on earth would you not use delivery confirmation? It's free if you use ebay shipping.

To answer your question, you do not have to refund money until he/she files a claim and wins. If item arrives late, you will probably get a better outcome if you just refund the money now. You will lose any dispute, so be extra nice and hope buyer treats you the same way.

Good luck and remember ebay requires you to track your shipments.

Joe

MooseDog · April 10, 2013 8:47AM

In general I'd refund and move on. Tell the buyer they can pay up if the item shows up...yes, it has happened and yes, buyers have paid. I have had things show up 45-60 days at times, but in general if it's gone two weeks or so, it probably won't arrive.

First Class gets free tracking when you use any online service - eBay Shipping, PayPal Shipping, Stamps.com, Endicia, etc. Even USPS.com I think plus it's cheaper than going to the PO.

Lesson learned.

bighurt2000 · April 10, 2013 9:17AM

When did buyer pay and when did ship the item? I would ask the buyer to give you 20 days from the
day you shipped it to show up and then refund the money.

I would recommend you look into print your shipping label through Paypal DC is free.

Also after you refund them I would go ahead and block the buyer. If and when the shows
up and the buyer contact you and make it right you can unblock them. But until then I would
treat the card as being lost then I would treat it as being stolen untill it's found. I say this because
you refund the guy, card shows up he never repays you he now stole the card which he may have
done from the get go because you didn't pay for DC#

James

Mapleleaf · April 10, 2013 10:12AM

Tell them you will check the secret tracking numbers. That usually gets the response of "Hey, the package just arrived today".

Foo3112 · April 10, 2013 10:21AM

Some buyers don't have an issue waiting a little more. Just be polite, empathetic and communication is key. I once had someone message me a week after I shipped the item saying that they hadn't received it. I apologized but assured that it was sent the day after winning the auction and that to please give it a few more days just to make sure. They were cool about it. Sure enough, about 2 days later, I saw they left me positive feedback.

If they don't get it, just refund the $20. Sucks losing $20 bucks but I have a feeling you'll somehow manage. I'm sure you will learn next time not to be cheap either. Confirmation is what... .80 cents maybe? Things do get lost in the mail. It happens. Just adapt and press on. It wont be the end of the world for you and the sun will still rise in the morning. I promise ...or I'll owe you $20

sbfinley · April 10, 2013 11:25AM

I was under the assumption that all first class packages automatically came with tracking now. There is no such thing as delivery confirmation anymore. Check your postal receipt, it should have a number on it.

shu4040 · April 10, 2013 1:51PM

Ok, lessons learned. Thanks all!!

theump · April 10, 2013 2:59PM

Everything you send through ebay shipping or paypal shipping has delivery confirmation.

Yankees001 · April 10, 2013 8:28PM

<< <i>I was under the assumption that all first class packages automatically came with tracking now. There is no such thing as delivery confirmation anymore. Check your postal receipt, it should have a number on it. >>

Incorrect, if you ship at the post office you get charged. You must buy the postage online.

Dave

fur72 · April 10, 2013 10:33PM

If you are not familar with Ebay/PayPal shipping check it out. Its very easy, its cheaper than going to the PO and most of all it saves you time.

shu4040 · April 11, 2013 12:54AM

"Incorrect, if you ship at the post office you get charged."

yep, this is what I did, and declined the extra $1.30 or something.

must look into ebay shipping.

JoeBanzai · April 11, 2013 1:58AM

<< <i>When did buyer pay and when did ship the item? I would ask the buyer to give you 20 days from the
day you shipped it to show up and then refund the money.

I would recommend you look into print your shipping label through Paypal DC is free.

Also after you refund them I would go ahead and block the buyer. If and when the shows
up and the buyer contact you and make it right you can unblock them. But until then I would
treat the card as being lost then I would treat it as being stolen untill it's found. I say this because
you refund the guy, card shows up he never repays you he now stole the card which he may have
done from the get go because you didn't pay for DC#

James >>

I couldn't disagree more. If buyer hasn't received card, this will probably offend him. Giving someone the benefit of the doubt can reap rewards. If buyer has stolen your card and bids on another auction and wins, your next shipment to him will certainly be sent with delivery confirmation, so no problem.

Most people are basically good. The card will probably show up.

Good luck,

Joe

Alfonz24 · April 11, 2013 2:52AM

<< <i>"Incorrect, if you ship at the post office you get charged."

yep, this is what I did, and declined the extra $1.30 or something.

must look into ebay shipping. >>

I do not sell on EBay, but I do use Paypal shipping to create and pay postage labels. Delivery confirm is 15 cents extra. I have never been back to the PO since. Saves SO much time as I drop off my packages at where I do contract consulting.

buymycards · April 11, 2013 11:35AM

Hey guys, the rules changed on Jan 28th. All First Class packages with postage purchased at the Post Office window now get free tracking. You don't use the Delivery Confirmation form, it is now called Delivery Tracking and the tracking number is printed on your receipt. The same thing applies to Priority Mail packages.

The tracking does not apply to PWE's with a card inside, only packages, which means prices starting at $2.07 for up to 3 ounces and going up from there.

Shu4040, look on your receipt and you will see a tracking number.

Good luck!

Rick

Lost $20 item on eBay as a seller?

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