Sold item being processed at customs... eBay has refunded buyer!

humblepii

Crowqueen wrote: »

So, does this count as delivered, even though the buyer was out?

Unfortunately no. Buyer was probably at work. Delivery has to be proven for buyers.

...Which means that he can stall all he wants now until he gets his refund, because eBay still consider the item not received?

Crowqueen wrote: »

Even though eBay sent me an email saying a refund would automatically be issued from my PayPal account, I spoke to PayPal today and they said nothing like that had been registered with them yet

So do you still have the money?

The email I received from eBay yesterday says: "We issued a full refund of GBP XX.XX on Nov 01, 2010 to the buyer. As described in the eBay Buyer Protection program, the refund includes the purchase price, plus original shipping. This amount will be deducted from your PayPal account or charged to your preferred reimbursement payment method." But yes, to date, I appear to still have the money.

terra_ferma

humblepii wrote: »

The tracking (on Canadian Post site, terra) has updated again to read: "Item available for pickup at Post Office". So, does this count as delivered, even though the buyer was out?

To clarify where I am in the process:
- eBay ruled in the buyer's favour and closed the case but I appealed on the grounds that the item was obviously en route and the delay was out of my control
- eBay is considering this and I apparently cannot add any further information to the appeal
- Even though eBay sent me an email saying a refund would automatically be issued from my PayPal account, I spoke to PayPal today and they said nothing like that had been registered with them yet

The buyer only opened the case against me on Sunday. It's Tuesday!

I have a feeling it doesn't, they haven't received it after all have they? and probably unlikely the buyer will pick it up.
Good thing is that it will come back to you.

custardy

humblepii wrote: »

The tracking (on Canadian Post site, terra) has updated again to read: "Item available for pickup at Post Office". So, does this count as delivered, even though the buyer was out?

To clarify where I am in the process:
- eBay ruled in the buyer's favour and closed the case but I appealed on the grounds that the item was obviously en route and the delay was out of my control
- eBay is considering this and I apparently cannot add any further information to the appeal
- Even though eBay sent me an email saying a refund would automatically be issued from my PayPal account, I spoke to PayPal today and they said nothing like that had been registered with them yet

The buyer only opened the case against me on Sunday. It's Tuesday!

it could mean the item is available for them to pay the customs charge

pinkshoes

I've won an ebay dispute when I had to return an item, and got my refund as soon as the special delivery tracking showed attempted delivery.

If it's at the post office for collection, then the buyer must now be aware of this. I'd phone ebay and ask their advice, as this is all indicating that the item has indeed arrived.

Are you 100% sure that a refund has been given, rather than just putting the money on hold??

Crowqueen

pinkshoes wrote: »

I've won an ebay dispute when I had to return an item, and got my refund as soon as the special delivery tracking showed attempted delivery.

That's only on the buyer returns side. On the selling side, Paypal have to see an actual delivery to stop a claim being successful.

humblepii

The buyer has collected the item from the Post Office and signed for it. It's showing on the Canada Post website as delivered.

eBay is still considering my (now outdated) appeal.

I know you all keep telling me to call eBay, but I genuinely cannot work out how to do this. I find the site really unhelpful. I found a number on another site but when I called it, I was told I'd need a PIN to proceed. How do I get this?

Or is there a way I can't see to add info to my appeal?

I still have hold of the money.

humblepii

...Ok. I got through to someone at eBay.co.uk, but she couldn't help me because the dispute was logged at eBay.com. Their call centre isn't open for another 6 hours or so. So it's back to being a waiting game.

To add insult to injury, I just received a confirmation email from eBay to say the refund money will go out of my account within 72 hours.

I just can't believe this can have happened.

xanthe

Sorry I can't help, but you could try asking ebay.co.uk for phone number for ebay.com?

Also, you could try asking the buyer to pay for the item that he has now received, hoping that he'd do the decent thing?

humblepii

Thanks, xanthe. I have the number now, but the call centre is closed ATM - time difference.

If my appeal fails, my final attempt at rectifying the situation will be to try contacting the buyer to reason with him.

If that fails, I guess I'll just have to notch it up as an expensive mistake. :cool:

terra_ferma

humblepii wrote: »

Thanks, xanthe. I have the number now, but the call centre is closed ATM - time difference.

If my appeal fails, my final attempt at rectifying the situation will be to try contacting the buyer to reason with him.

If that fails, I guess I'll just have to notch it up as an expensive mistake. :cool:

What could you have done differently to avoid this issue? Don't be too hard on yourself.
Leaving aside the fact if you'd be covered or not because of the value, unless you stop selling altogether this scenario could happen anywhere, and unless you used Special Delivery you'd be in the same situation (even recorded often fails)

It seems to me that the fact you will be dealing with eBay.com may help you because at least they will be more likely to look at the Canadian website, won't they?

Hope it works out fine for you!