Item gone astray in post!

aphibbin

It looks as if an item I sold (handmade trinket box) has gone astray in the post. The winning bidder has not yet received it, even though an identical item I posted the same day, coincidentally to the same county arrived promptly. It wasn't a vast amount of money (£9) and it was packaged very securely with return address etc. I am waiting for the 15 days as it was sent second class, and have a certificate of posting. How have people got on with claiming on these in similar situations? Any advice would be appreciated. When do I refund the buyer?
Thanks

soolin

Personally I refund in about the second week, before the buyer gets cross and starts a paypal chargeback. Just go to the original paypal payment and refund from there and your paypal fees disappear as well.

After 15 working days put a claim into the RM, you can do it online (you have to print it off and post it though, which is kind of weird!). Your ebay invoice will be sufficient proof of cost/loss so you will need to send that as well. Incidentally, the RM will not refund the post and packing element of the payment.

Soo

wigginsmum

How long ago did you post it? I'd normally refund after a week or so if sent by 1st Class; a couple of days longer for 2nd. That way the buyer's got their money back; I wouldn't expect them to wait while I wrangled with the Post Office. I've not claimed with the Post Office before, but will do so for one that went astray about 10 days ago. You'll need your Certificate of Posting and probably a printout of the Ebay invoice showing proof of worth, I would have thought.

xycom1

I have filed several claims for lost items of first class mail - all have been paid up, takes a few weeks for the cheque to come though.

I never tell them that the item was sold on eBay, just that it is a private transaction if they ask. As for proof of value for the item - they will accept a catalogue page/web printout showing the cost/value of the goods. I usually find the most expensive price on the high street and send that - or a copy of the original purchase receipt from wherever I bought the item. That way, you don't lose out on the postage cost - as they will not refund this when you send proof of value as the eBay auction page.

soolin

xycom1 wrote:

I have filed several claims for lost items of first class mail - all have been paid up, takes a few weeks for the cheque to come though.

I never tell them that the item was sold on eBay, just that it is a private transaction if they ask. As for proof of value for the item - they will accept a catalogue page/web printout showing the cost/value of the goods. I usually find the most expensive price on the high street and send that - or a copy of the original purchase receipt from wherever I bought the item. That way, you don't lose out on the postage cost - as they will not refund this when you send proof of value as the eBay auction page.

OP says this was a handmade trinket box, so unlikely to be able to show a higher value anywhere else, which would be fraud anyway.

Soo

David_B_2

I always state on my auctions that in the event of a missing or item getting damaged then no refund will be given until I have been refunded by Royal Mail and they should not bid if they do not accept this. This seems to work, I have only had to claim twice in 4/5 years and the buyer was very good both times. This of course depends on who the buyer and hopw much the item was worth. So, I'll you can do is cover yourself (as above) and make sure you have all the receipts so at least your not out of pocket for too long and only until Royal Mail pay up if you need to refund early.

Dave

soolin

David_B wrote:

I always state on my auctions that in the event of a missing or item getting damaged then no refund will be given until I have been refunded by Royal Mail and they should not bid if they do not accept this. This seems to work, I have only had to claim twice in 4/5 years and the buyer was very good both times. This of course depends on who the buyer and hopw much the item was worth. So, I'll you can do is cover yourself (as above) and make sure you have all the receipts so at least your not out of pocket for too long and only until Royal Mail pay up if you need to refund early.

Dave

Wouldn't work with paypal though would it as you can't stop a chargeback just because you want to change the terms of your agreement with them.

If I came across your auction I certainly wouldn't bid. Anyone who needs to try and get round the ebay and paypal conditions isn't worth the hassle.

Soo