eBay help please.....

[mrs.chappie]

Sorry this isn't in the right category but I don't know where it should go.

I posted an item off (2nd class) on 26th April. The buyer has just emailed me to say she hasn't received it. I didn't send it "signed for" but I did get a certificate of posting. Where do I go from here?

Thanks for any replies. I know that there's an eBay helpline but I would like advice from an ABer if possible.

[hc4361]

I am quite sure you would not accept 'lost in the post' if you bought goods that did not arrive, crisgal.
You would rightfully demand a refund.

[crisgal]

i do now, after being bitten!

[boxtops]

yes mrs c - when you get the form, it says that if it's an eBay claim, you have to send a copy of the ebay page showing the final price paid by the buyer. You have to send that up with the original of your proof of posting slip. I always keep copies when I send it too - just in case. It's quite straightforward, but a bit longwinded.

[mrs.chappie]

I'm surprised that they won't refund the postage costs. That doesn't seem fair to me.

[hc4361]

Den53, the responsibilty for delivery is ALWAYS with the seller. It is his / her responsibilty to claim a refund from the carrier, Royal Mail or whoever, and also to provide a prompt refund or replacement to the buyer.

Would you be happy if your seller accepted your money and told you, tough, it's lost in the post?

[Buenchico]

Den53:
Contract law requires the seller to ensure that the purchaser receives the goods which they've paid for. It's the seller who decides to use Royal Mail, DHL or a guy with a donkey to get the goods to the purchaser, so it's the seller's responsibility to enter into a contract for delivery services which will (hopefully) enable him to fulfil his contractual obligation to the purchaser. If that second contract (with the carrier) then fails to be completed, the seller then has to seek compensation from that carrier.

[DEN53]

I post my items all over the world and never have a problem. In the UK they seem to get lost, mostly when sending to London.

[crisgal]

you're right hc, i wouldn't. It was all a bit dodgy and too long to go into here. :)

[TTG]

Tell them to ask their neighbours if they had it delivered. Ask the buyer to confirm their home address in case it changed and they did not update their records.

In addition to what has already been suggested!

Good luck.

[mrs.chappie]

Thanks all.

I got her to confirm her address before I posted the package, and I emailed her this morning, asking her to check with her neighbours, and also with the local sorting office.

She replied saying there is always someone in the house, so no need to ask neighbours. She didn't mention checking with the SO.

I'm hoping it will show up this week. This is the first time I've had any trouble and I've sold lots of stuff over the years. :o(