I've shipped two coins via priority shipping from Germany to Italy, that was like 3 weeks ago. Tracking information only says "delivered to destination country", so I am not sure if the buyer actually received them or not. He now created a Paypal dispute & claim without getting in touch first. Paypal immediately refunded the buyer according to the email I have received. I've already contacted DHL, asking about the status of the shipment. But why didn't I get any notification from eBay? Nothing is mentioned when I open the eBay transaction details for that item. Apparently the non-receipt claim was created directly via Paypal, not eBay. What to do next?
I can see a several potential problems but since I'm in the US and don't know how the German or Italian PO handle things like this these are just guesses. -- Coins are money to the PO's so even collectible coins can be looked at as if money is being laundered. -- Coins are often passed to the Customs people which at a minimum will slow things down. -- I don't trust the Italian PO system. Keep picking at DL to give you an answer. They are the mostly source of info about what happened.
I really hate how Paypal does this. Like Kanga said, you need to follow-up with the courier and see what kind of coverage you have. You should be able to put in a claim somehow. If you're still able to communicate with the buyer, ask them to provide you with any information they have. I seriously hope that your package is just delayed. Sometimes this happens too. We see it happen a lot on Ebay where a new member is impatient and files a claim about the item not arriving yet. But it's clearly in transit. Best of luck, ~CWS
Stop shipping internationally unless it's a country that qualifies for Ebays international program, where you mail it to ebay and they take care of the rest. Otherwise, you will continue to get burned. I promise you...I am speaking from experience here.
Guess that is one of the reasons why I stopped buying via eBay. While I do buy coins from sellers elsewhere in the EU, I prefer places such as ma-shops ... Side note: Unless we talk about very high amounts, mailings coins from DE to IT has nothing to do with money laundering, and of course customs is not involved. What I find a little odd though is that DHL is apparently unable to tell what happened to the shipment. Christian
Thanks for your thoughts. Italy is a Schengen member country and in the Euro zone, no issues with customs and/or shipping delays (as I paid for priority shipping). My question was with regards to Paypal. How can the buyer file a claim with Paypal, get his money back, while eBay doesn't seem to be involved at all? I sold the coins via eBay so I expect them to handle this.
eBay saves money by short-circuiting the claims process using PayPal to do the dirty work. Push eBay hard, as they still own responsibility for resolving disputed transactions.
Saving money - the #1 reason why companies change their processes. Why didn't that come to my mind....? Thanks. I'll push them hard...
It's just a hassle because you the seller are responsible, even if you provide tracking info. Definitely continue to follow-up with Ebay, DHL, and keep your buyer informed. That is the best way to avoid negative feedback.
FeeBay/PayPal virtually always defaults in favor of the buyer, but that decision isn't necessarily final. I'm not sure if it applies with international sales from Germany to Italy, but you might be eligible for seller protection if you followed all their rules and have tracking information showing the parcel was sent to the correct address. When this happens, since FeeBay/PayPal has already refunded the money to the buyer, they absorb the cost of returning your money and it is basically a win/win for both buyer and seller. As mentioned above, it isn't painless and you will have to fight for it. Also, make sure you meet all of their information request deadlines. Should you miss one, they will close the case and refuse to consider it further. Good luck!
DUDE, this OP lives in Germany. Is he to lonely sell to folks that live in Germany? For the OP. Contact EBAY and ask THEM what to do since they do have a sellers protection policy.
