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Buyer didn't collect, how do I not refund postage?
burniebaker
Posts: 2 Newbie
Hi, I've been selling on ebay a while but this is a new one on me. I sold a ring to a buyer in the USA which I posted using Royal Mail's tracked and signed service on 4/7. Today they have opened a dispute saying it has not been received. I checked the tracking and discovered that they failed to collect the parcel and USPS started the process to return it to me yesterday. This is annoying but assuming I will receive it back ok, I'm happy to refund them the cost of the ring. The problem is the postage. Paypal has held the funds for the full amount and as far as I'm aware ebay will only let you refund the full amount. But I don't see why I should refund the expensive £11 postage when it wasn't my fault! Has anyone had anything similar? If the buyer escalated it to ebay would they see my side and refund just the item cost? I'm guessing that might be wishful thinking 
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Comments
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Why did you send it tracked and signed to the US? Tracked only is the same price and if no-one is in, the postman can just leave it in the box, tracked as delivered, problem solved.
You will have to refund the full amount. You cannot withold the postage.0 -
Welcome to Ebay, it's the price you pay for selling on here.
Ebay treat everyone as if they are a business, this is why I no longer sell here, use Gumtree or similar, face to face cash only.
I always have good success on gumtree and its no risk and free.0 -
usefulmale wrote: »Why did you send it tracked and signed to the US? Tracked only is the same price and if no-one is in, the postman can just leave it in the box, tracked as delivered, problem solved.
You will have to refund the full amount. You cannot withold the postage.
A ring though would not be covered standard airmail if buyer claimed it hadn't arrived .I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the eBay, Auctions, Car Boot & Jumble Sales, Boost Your Income, Praise, Vents & Warnings, Overseas Holidays & Travel Planning , UK Holidays, Days Out & Entertainments boards. If you need any help on these boards, do let me know.. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com.All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.0 -
I have sympathy for you. I sold something to someone in Germany. Posted it tracked. Was returned to me as the address was incorrect. I have a basic knowledge of addresses in Germany and it looked right. Just as it was returned, they opened a case for non delivery so was forced to refund in full.
You can not just refund the price they paid, you have to refund every penny they paid. If you do not refund them and the buyer escalates the case then you will be forced to refund and you will get a black mark on your account.
Personally I am moving most of my things to GSP. You only need to send it to a UK fulfilment center and they deal with onward tracked postage. You also do not have to pay for tracked postage to them. I have sent plenty of low value things to them untracked which they have received and sent tracked onwards.0
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