So what do I do?

A few weeks ago, someone went through my eBay and bought $800 worth of stuff. Not trusting USPS with that kind of value, I sent it Registered. It has been sent to his PO Box, and I assume he has gotten a notification slip.



And there it has sat for over a week. I have sent two messages reminding the buyer, without any response (he has not responded to any of my messages, regardless if the subject). If the coins come back, I believe I have to refund the buyer the $800, which is not something I can comfortably afford doing right now. Do I threaten him with a 20% restocking fee for the inconvenience of him neglecting to pick up the package after multiple reminder attepts (is this even permissible)?

This is a buyer with over 5000 feedback, which is why I did not think too hard about him wanting to scam me. Is it possible that he had that intention, but since I sent it in a secured fashion, he chickened away? This whole deal felt a little "off" from the start, but it keeps feeling worse every passing day.

All I know is that I do not want to get screwed with an $800 refund because he was too lazy (or something potentially more sinister) to go pick up a package. That means I can't buy anymore coins until this thing is put to rest.

 

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He could be sick, dead, etc. If he doesn't pick it up soon, it will be returned to you. How is that a big problem? Did you already spend the $800? If so, that's on you. You need to make sure the buyer receives the coin and is happy/keeping it before you spend the money from the sale. I would not threaten him with any restocking fees. And I'm not sure it is ethically correct, but if it is returned to you, you could send him a message asking if he would like you to resend or be given a refund. If he never responds... well, I guess he didn't want his money back?? lol

 

What State is the guy located in?

 

Maybe he's out of town. It'll get returned to you if he doesn't pick it up by the 20th. If you ate the outbound shipping, you probably won't be allowed to charge it unless you mention a restocking or returned package fee in the auction. Even then, you have to remember that eBay hates sellers, so the outlook is not one that is in your favor.

 

Ugh

 

You can't add that on after the sale took place, it would have to be your standard policy in place in the listing before the sale. At best you may be able to get the fee for shipping it back and even that is a stretch.

There is really nothing you can do but wait

 

Could your buyer be a victim of Harvey or Irma?

 

Couple of thoughts and questions:

Was signature required as part of shipping? (may be included with Registered, I just never send that way and am unsure) Typically you need this to protect yourself.

Contact eBay via phone to let them know the situation. All communication should be on the record and could help you depending on what happens. You are just trying to be a good seller.

I would check their feedback and consider trying to reach out to someone who has done recent business with the buyer on eBay to ask any questions you may have about their communication and shipping/receiving.

I believe buyers have 45 days to open an "Item Not As Described" or an "Item Not Received" case with eBay / PayPal. Probably starts the day of 'receipt'. Need to have more clarification if PO Box delivery is receipt or if she/he has to sign a slip that is in her/his PO Box. Investigate this possible scenario more. After a month or two you should be in the clear if you get no communication.

In the case of a return, record video of receipt of the coins and open the package and verify in front of a postal worker on the spot to protect against the empty box or coin swap scams. Get all this on video. Has saved me before!

Probably can't charge a restock fee if it's not in the listing. Would not go that route personally and possibly agitate them. They will however have to pay insured return shipping. Stay on top of tracking like a hawk and be ready for delivery if this happens.


It's always possible the buyer may be in the hospital to explain the lack of response.

Others please feel free to critique my advice if I may have misstated something.

 

I had thought about it as well. But I could not morally just keep money like that.

Also crossed my mind. But he responded (by acting, not replying) to when I asked him to pay for an item that I shipped before he haspd paid. He made an offer, which I had accepted, and did not check payment status before shipping. He paid soon after I asked him to. If he can do that out of town, why can't he reply to a message?

I did, but it was something like 5%.

 

Its standard with registered mail

 

Not in Rhode Island.

 

If sent registered, a signature is required for delivery. The package sits in the USPS vault while notice is placed in the PO box.

 

I tried.

 

He would definitely have had to sign for it. However, USPS will ship it back before the 45 days are up, I think.

Again, crossed my mind.

 

I have kept it aside just in case, knowing a return is very possible (given my initial feelings about the transaction). I can afford to do a full refund, but I would rather not to.

 

Well at least that should basically cover shipping

 

That was the idea.

 

Please don't tell me the "20% restocking fee" idea came from the fact you've spent the money.... No offense, and I genuinely feel for the stress I'm sure you're experiencing right now, but that's just not cool, nor is it something that a professional would even consider.

You've clearly put a lot of yourself into this hobby, and surely the business aspect of it as well; don't sully that at any cost.

 

They could always be visiting family or vacationing, especially in those 2 main states that were affected (TX and FL). Also could be part of the response organizations or they may have family that lives there who needed their immediate help. Not likely, but entirely possible.

 

5000 feedback is not bad but the system is jacked up.