When does a delivery become NOT a delivery?

[vintique*violet]

So I have never had an issue with Royal Mail.

However, an item due to be delivered today was indeed delivered ( sent signed for) ... checked RM website for details and the photo for proof of delivery is packages on the doorstep! With a " squiggle" in the signed for box. 

My question is firstly I did not  think RM posties could do this when requiring a signature. 

Secondly - if this package is now " stolen" from the doorstep and buyer claims INR where do I stand? 

When does a delivery become NOT a delivery? 

[4_bathrooms]

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@vintique*violet wrote:

I thought the same re " signature" must be by recipient to ensure actually delivered correctly.. to just leave on the doorstep in open view and the postie sign for it,  is just plain wrong. 

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You still don't know if that is what happened. You mentioned there were other parcels on the doorstep - it's quite possible the postie had simply taken all the items to the doorstep and put them down so they could knock the door and obtain a signature. Once they had obtained a signature - or the door was opened - they then took the picture. I wouldn't bat an eyelid at the scrawl of a signature either as I can't sign my name on one of those PDA things - the "signature" I leave on one of those looks nothing like my real signature.

You really don't have anything to worry about unless the buyer opens an INR case. Even if the buyer does subsequently open an INR case eBay only requires an online delivery confirmation showing delivery or attempted delivery to the address provided with the order for the purposes of defending a Money Back Guarantee case.

[myriad*seller]

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@vintique*violet wrote:

Thank you...

We hear here often,  too often,  that items are stolen when on view to those ' thieving fingers' passing, but a tracking number showing initial delivery, then no refund will be forthcoming from eBay.  Home insurance perhaps payment providers may help. The latter a little doubtful if delivery is shown.

If that is all eBay require and the recipient does not have their item in their hand ( as stolen due to packages being left on doorsteps etc ) then they have to bear the loss? I do not think that is fair do you? 

I wonder how many sellers are pushed to refund due to this to save from receiving a negative feedback? 

My fingers are crossed that they come home soon and remove said parcel indoors. 

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They can make a claim from Royal Mail for their loss 

[vintique*violet]

Thank you @4_bathrooms  it could have been quite possibly , I did not think of that,  and hope you are correct.  My signature isn't the same either on those things, but these days it is not how it used to be anyhow... I was asking the question for some clarification ( as "brains"  on here seem to work better than mine 😉  ) as never known it before,  and was concerned and thought I would pre-empt if any situation should arise so that I know what options there are for both myself and the buyer. 

I appreciate you all and the advice/expertise each of you have given etc..