The Wholesale Forums

[ifti]

Hi all

I recently sold an item on ebay, for £125.
Although stating that I only ship within the UK, someone from Bulgaria purchased it.
I agreed to go ahead, and the buyer paid me extra for postage to cover costs.
The buyer paid 3 days later, and since payment came from abroad, and from a new user with 0 feedback, and only just registered to PayPal, I let the money clear into my bank account, and then promptly took the item to the Post Office.

I informed the lady at the counter that I needed to send this parcel, and it must have tracking and proof of delivery.
She proceeded to process the item etc, and I again confirmed it would be trackable - to which she agreed it would be.

I then come home to check the item tracking number on ParcelForce's site, and every time I try it, it tells me the item is not trackable as I didnt pay for that service! Looking closely on the receipt, it states which service has been used - and the site is correct - the lady posted the item with NO tracking etc, even though I requested it twice and she confirmed it would be trackable!

The item will take 7-9 days to arrive. Since we have had the Bank holiday in between, the item has only been in transit for 3-4 days yet. Its estimated to arrive 12-14th May.

The buyer has started complaining, stating he needs the item by the 11th May, and that he is unable to track it etc, doubting that I have posted the item.

I have reassured the buyer that I have over 850 feedback, and am a powerseller - I dont rip people off.

Nevertheless, even if the buyer does receive the package, where do I stand - as he could potentially still start a claim anyway!
I do have a tracking number - but I dont know if it'll even give me proof of delivery etc either!

[Saajan]

Did the lady at the post office say it was sent via Parcel Force or Royal Mail?

Check the tracking number on the Royal Mail website and see if it works on there.

[Discount Etail]

I never dispatch to anywhere outside of the UK because I have heard so many horror stories about every other item 'not arriving'

Give royal mail a ring and tell them the situation, they may be able to help.

As for the customer complaining just reassure him and if he keeps playing up give eBay a call and talk it through with the powerseller team.

[ifti]

It was deffo sent by ParcelForce - I have the receipt etc also.
When I enter the tracking number, the number is recognised as valid, but it just states that a trackable service was not used.
So basically, Ive been screwed over by the post office, and even if the buyer receives the item, I could get screwed over by him as well!

[lighthousedirec]

Nevertheless, even if the buyer does receive the package, where do I stand - as he could potentially still start a claim anyway!

No signature at the buyers end and you are done for if he goes for a dispute, since he paid through paypal, they will find in his favour automatically. They might even do so even if you had a signature.

[ifti]

This is exactly why I only usually sell in the Uk with recorded postage at the very least. Its also why I specified TWICE to the post office that this needs to be tracked with proof of delivery!

Im pretty sure the buyer will receive the item next week, but have a feeling he may try to claim for it anyway.

[decca234uk]

It doesn't sound good for you. If he files a dispute paypal will definetly find in his favour. Unfortunately you're the victim of an incomptent postal clerk. I'll double check my receipts next time I send something recorded.

[ifti]

Good news, buyer informed me the other day that he had received the item and was happy - he's also left positive feedback etc.
Will triple check the item goes by tracked delivery in future - either that or its UK only!