eBay

selective_distribution · ‎03-02-2026

Previously when I would have a buyer order two similar separate items I would package both items in same parcel print out one label, and then use `MARK AS DISPATCHED` to show the other item as dispatched.....this worked fine. Now however eBay have removed to option to `Mark as Dispatched`, so if you are in this situation then the second item is stuck in limbo, and is still showing as `Not dispatched`. Apparently if a buyer buys two items at the same time the the system will combine the orders, and all is fine. If however the buyer purchases two items within a few hours of each other, the system sees this as two separate purchases, and you have a problem. The answer is to reclaim the postage on the second item, and then it will be `MARKED AS DISPATCHED` on the system.

In eBay`s inimitable way they have made this as difficult as possible! So this is what I have found......

Go to `HELP & CONTACT` at the top of your page.

When you see `HOW CAN WE HELP YOU` enter `SIMPLE DELIVERY`.

Click on the top item `SIMPLE DELIVERY`.

Go down the list on the left, and select `RETURNS & REFUNDS FOR UNUSED LABELS`.

Among the text is a BLUE highlighted link `REQUEST A REFUND FOR SIMPLE DELIVERY`.

Enter the order number, and fill in the form.

Press `SUBMIT`.

You will now get a `We are refunding your label` message, and your second item will have been `MARKED AS DISPATCHED`.

It`s really that easy!......This is sarcasm!.

Hope this information is of some use to someone?

*vyolla* · ‎03-02-2026

If you download the label provided it will mark the order as dispatched (you won't be able to add your own couriers tracking number, but can use it in the event of an item not received claim), and if you have 'seller pays' for postage and didn't use the Simple Delivery label provided, you can apply for refund for that label (bear in mind that If you selected 'Buyer pays’ when you created the listing, your buyer will automatically be refunded for any Simple Delivery label that isn’t used after 30 days.):

If you selected ‘Seller pays’ and offered free postage on your listing, you'll need to fill out the Request a refund for Simple Delivery form (link below) for the label that wasn’t used. Make sure to send your request within 14 days of your item selling.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/claims/simple-delivery/refund/seller

To process your refund, we'll verify the following:
- The label was paid for by you (you offered free shipping to the buyer).
- The refund request is created within 14 days from the item's sale.
- The label wasn't used within 14 days of the item's sale.
- The package was delivered using a different tracking number.
  If your request meets all these conditions, you'll receive a refund for the shipping cost.