ebay

[chazza]

I did a clear out and got a load of my stuff onto ebay (make up/shampoo etc) but I've just had 2 emails from buyers asking when they will receive their items.

I posted it weeks ago, i offered special delivery for an extra �3 but neither of them took it, what should i do, refund them or refund half of it or what?

[ccb0905]

always ask for a proof of postage receipt at the post office (its free) then you can prove you posted it.

As a rule always use recorded delivery as there are a lot of con artists out there.

[chazza]

But they wouldn't pay for recorded delivery, chose just to have it sent ordinary post, and it's not worth a lot

I have a receipt (I think) but it doesn't state much on it, just the price and the postcode of the delivery address

[loukr]

When I post a new item on ebay, I always give them a choice of first class standard, or first class recorded, then in my description I state I cannot be help responsible for items lost in the post unless the buyer paid for recorded delivery. That way the buyer knows that unless they pay for recorded (something like 60p extra), if it goes missing it's their problem. So far I've had no problems with lost post etc.

[shineybomb]

I always offer 2nd class and 2nd class recorded which is only 68p extra. Out of 800+ items only one has ever gone missing with Royal Mail for me.

Your receipt sounds like Proof of Posting. What you need to do is email the buyer and tell them (as the Royal Mail state) that if the item has not arrived within 14 days you are then able to claim from the post office as the Royal Mail sets 14 days as their target although it should normally be quicker than this.

After 14 days you fill in a form, which you can get from the post office or possibly the Royal Mail website. You send it off, they contact the buyer and if they cannot find the parcel/letter, they will send you a cheque to reimburse you (this can take 3 or 4 weeks and possibly longer near xmas).

If you gave the buyer a choice of postage options, including recorded, then Ebay will be on your side, as they were with my item which was lost. If your buyer paid with PayPal they may be able to claim their money back from your PayPal account without your permission.

Most buyers will be understanding unless you have someone like the guy I had to deal with and will wait for the problem to be sorted out.

My advice is DO NOT refund them as some people on Ebay are not trustworthy, although many are. If you go through all the proper chanels you are doing everything the way Ebay would tell you. Ebay would tell you the same thing, do not refund. You can always email Ebay and ask their advice too

[shineybomb]

Should also point out that if you don't have the receipt/proof of posting you will not be able to make a claim through the Royal Mail as there will be no record of your parcel being sent.

I'm under the same username on Ebay if you need anymore help, just email me.