Item returned no request for refund etc

[darbath2002]

Summary item sold over 2 months ago. 

Sent next day delivery and tracked.

Delivery attempted twice and never heard anything from buyer.

I had assumed they collected from post office.

However item now returned, it is in original packaging (has not been switched etc) zero communication from buyer asking where item is or asking for refund etc, appears to still be active on eBay (positive feedback for recent purchases etc).

Any suggestions re next steps  a bit nervous this could be a scam but not sure how or why.

Thanks.

[lucy_farmer]

No I can't see how it could be a scam...... after all you have the item back. If it's the same one, in the same condition and hasn't been unpacked well, erm.......

I'd drop the buyer a line and see what they want to do.

If you hear nothing back, just refund them.  (on a similar recent thread another commentor said it's a good idea to block them from buying anything else from you ; they may not be scammers, but the absent-minded can also be a p.i.t.a.!)

[martmarg41]

For now I suggest that you do not do anything except check the returned package is actually your item. Wait to see if a 'Item not received' claim is made before issuing any refunds. You have done your part by having delivery attempted.

I don't think it is a scam (they have got no benefit if returned item is correct). It could just be the result of a medical emergency or similar.

[arkwebus]

If it is 2 months + then it is too late for a claim by buyer through eBay.  

The honest way forward is surely to send a message through eBay and to refund?  They can presumably claim through payment provider which - if I recall - incurs a surcharge from you of ?? £18.

@darbath2002 

[sponge-face]

tbh you should refund them imo.

it would seem likely something serious,or even terminal might happened to them perhaps.

onslaught of ill health ,to death etc.

we all live in a very fragile world nowadays unfortunately,any of us can become non functioning at any time.

[the-nutwood-collection]

Over time, I've had more than a dozen packages like yours returned.  Some have a note scribbled on the packaging slip, like 'Not suitable', but most have just the packing slip.

I think it's weird.  If there's no message, or no case, and I don't refund, the buyer can't ask the platform to step in. 

If the items in saleable condition - which it always has been - I just refund.

Some buyers are just odd. 

[darbath2002]

Thanks for taking the time to reply. The buyer has asked me to repost to a new address any thoughts on this?

[the-nutwood-collection]

My thought on this is DON'T DO IT.

You've already lost one outbound postage, why would you want to lose two?

Just put them on your BBL.

[martmarg41]

Only ever send to the address that is provided by eBay. This preserves your Seller's Protection.

In this case, assuming that the returned item is correct I suggest you get the the buyer to open an 'item not received' case so that you can refund the buyer through eBay channels.

You can then re-list the item.

[darbath2002]

Thanks appreciate your advice.

[darbath2002]

Thank you.

[*vyolla*]

Personally, I'd just go straight to issue a refund and would also block them from buying from you again. 

They don't need to open an eBay item not received claim in order for you to make the refund. 

You can issue full or partial refunds for items in Seller Hub or My eBay up to 90 days after the original transaction. Here's how:

1. Find the order in Seller Hub - opens in new window or tab or My eBay Orders - opens in new window or tab.
2. From the dropdown menu, select Send refund.
3. Choose a reason for the refund.
4. Specify a refund amount for the item or for the order.
5. Enter the refund amount, and select Send refund.

[darbath2002]

Thanks I tried earlier but failed, I will try from another device and see if that works.

[martmarg41]

The buyer has messed the OP about for over 2 months now. The order is probably deemed complete and so a refund will not be possible. If they open a 'chargeback' claim eBay may give the OP a way of issuing a refund then. If not eBay will dispute the chargeback or refund the buyer themselves.

[*vyolla*]

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@martmarg41 wrote:

The buyer has messed the OP about for over 2 months now. The order is probably deemed complete and so a refund will not be possible. If they open a 'chargeback' claim eBay may give the OP a way of issuing a refund then. If not eBay will dispute the chargeback or refund the buyer themselves.

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Why do you think that a refund won't be possible?

If you read my copy and paste from eBay's guidance page on refunds it tells you that you have 90 days to make a refund.

[*vyolla*]

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@darbath2002 wrote:

Thanks I tried earlier but failed, I will try from another device and see if that works.

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If you're using the app you may not be able to access all eBay features, try switching to a desktop browser. 

[martmarg41]

@vyolla:

In the past I had the same problem as the OP. When looking to issue a refund after 60 days the refund button was not available. When I queried with CS they said "don't worry the order is complete and too late for a refund".

I never heard anything further from the buyer anyway.