Late delivery 'defect'

[yellowfairdog]

I know this sounds like 'something about nothing' but it's a prime example about how Ebay sets expectations that are impossible to achieve.

I listed an item as collect only. A buyer asked if I would consider posting and I, reluctantly, agreed. I put myself out to package the item for it, which wasn't easy, and the courier collected it on time.

Unfortunately, Hermes managed to send it, to the wrong local depot. They then corrected it but it added a day or two to the time. 

Absolutely nothing I could do about that, right?

The buyer was happy, I kept him informed throughout and even emailed to thank me for my efforts and communication.

Then I notice I have a 'late delivery defect' because the tracking showed it was delayed. Not the buyer, he was fine.

I contacted Ebay through live chat who told me how to request the defect removal. They said they were sure it would be fine.

The defect removal page says 'if you recieved a defect that you believe was outside your control, let us know and we'll look into it'.

That fits perfectly with my situation, surely?

I told them what had happened with Hermes... and they turned me down.

They couldn't remove it, they said, because it was 'a reflection on an unsatisfactory buying experience'.

No, it wasn't! The buyer was more than happy.

They tell me this can't be appealed or escalated and followed this with a patronising lecture on sending this on time and using a service that will get there on time. 

IT GOT SENT TO THE WRONG HUB, WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO ABOUT THAT, EBAY?

Sorry chaps, rant over.

Have a Happy Easter.

[john1297576 · Accepted solution]

Not only tracking but buyer in all innocence may have marked as Late Delivery. Buyers are not aware of the consequences of what appears to be an innnocent question. 

Also of course a side affect of Tracking as not only does it prove delivery, it also proves late delivery. 

Best if offering Collection to stick to it, putting yourself out only to be penalised is not worth all the trouble.

I find that while ebay makes it sound as though this is something that you can successfully appeal, their staff are not trained to be helpful, or to even understand what ebay tells sellers on the subject.

[yellowfairdog · Accepted solution]

Thanks for taking the time to reply. I think you are exactly right re Ebay making it sound as though you have a chance of reversing a defect when they know full well it isn't going to happen. I was just reminded of a humerous remark I heard from a comedian. They claimed that those buttons on pelican crossings don't actually work, that they are supplied by Acme as used by Wil E Coyote, and are just there to make you feel like you're influencing something. Ebay's defect reversal link is obviously supplied by the same company, lol. Stay safe!