Seller hasn't received item but wont accept my offer to provide proof of postage

RainbowDrops

I've tried searching for a similar topic, but can't find anything suitable.

Looking for some advice.

I sold an item of clothing a couple of weeks ago for £25.
On my listing I reccommended registered mail, but the buyer selected sandard, so it was sent 2nd class with proof of postage.

5 days after notifying the buyer I had sent it they messaged me saying they hadn't received it yet. The buyer asked if I had a tracking number DESPITE the fact that they hadn't selected tracked post.

I've asked the buyer for updates, keeping the correspondence friendly, and offered to show them the proof of postage three times, but they have ignored those offers.

I realise that it's likely that if the buyer raises a claim, ebay will favour them, but I feel like some of the responsibility is in their court.

I can't tell if they're trying it on, but the fact that they didn't select registered mail but still asked for a tracking numer, and wont accept my offer to see the proof of postage makes me feel uneasy.

Can anyone offer some advice please?

terryw

Unfortunately, you know the answer:

I realise that it's likely that if the buyer raises a claim, ebay will favour them

All you can do is hope that they are trying it in and that the item does turn up.

bw anyway.

soolin

Yes, refund in full and then use your proof of posting to reclaim your losses from Royal Mail (or courier)

Tracking and insurance is for the benefit of the seller, not the buyer, so no buyer is going to pay extra to protect you.

Incidentally- I asusme you mean buyer hasn't got it, and this isn't a return of goods to a seller?

Ebay /paypal WILL find for th ebuyer, there is no doubt about that and if they force you to refund after buyer raises a dispute it will cost you extra as you won't get your paypal fees refunded, and you will get a seller warning on your dashboard.

chemical.galaxy

If I were you I would refund them and make a claim with RM.
There is nothing you can do and chances are it really is lost. You are covered for the value of your item and a claim is very simple to make so you may as well keep your buyer happy and move on!

soolin

Incidentally, virtually everyone asks for tracking even though they know a seller rarely has it. Somewhere buried in the help pages the advice that ebay gives to a buyer about a lost package is to ask seller for tracking first- before going to a dispute. A lot of people ask , I suspect, because they htink it is a requirement to do so before ebay allow them to open a dispute.

Another one of those stupid bits in the help pages probably left over from rules that changed many years ago.

RainbowDrops

Thanks for the quick replies so far, helpful advice - I'll get in touch with the buyer then.

Harumph, well lesson learned I guess, I'll no longer offer standard postage.

First time though in over 300 transactions.

RainbowDrops

chemical.galaxy wrote: »

You are covered for the value of your item and a claim is very simple to make

Could you link me to the appropriate page o the Roayl Mail website please?

soolin

RainbowDrops wrote: »

Thanks for the quick replies so far, helpful advice - I'll get in touch with the buyer then.

Harumph, well lesson learned I guess, I'll no longer offer standard postage.

First time though in over 300 transactions.

Think about it logically though. If you had used recorded on all those 300 items you would have spent an extra £231.00 would that have been worth it merely to put your mind at rest that this buyer is a scammer?

Parcels get lost, recorded doesn't stop that at all and frankly if you are going to spend all that money becuase you think all buyers are scammers then maybe online selling isn't within your comfort zone.

soolin

RainbowDrops wrote: »

Could you link me to the appropriate page o the Roayl Mail website please?

http://www2.royalmail.com/customer-service/personal-customers/refunds-and-compensation/claims-process

you can claim after 15 working days.

macfly

Are you not going to offer to fill out the form for them?

soolin

macfly wrote: »

Are you not going to offer to fill out the form for them?

I have everything bookmarked.

I am also mindful of the fact that whenever I go over to the tech board for more advice about my PC or laptop I probably ask the laziest questions in the world as i seriously don't have a clue.