My turn for an eBay buyer problem

[Cornelius]

This all started about a month ago. I sold something to someone, they asked for the total and my address to send payment. I think I provided that and referred them to the usual checkout method that has that info. They were already on my radar at this point because of dumb emails. Well, on the day their package was delivered, they emailed and asked what address I used. I had used the one listed with eBay, but apparently they wanted me to use a different one.

They've talked to the people at their old address, but there is no sign of the stuff (disc only MGS, MGS VR missions, MGS demo cd). They did pay for insurance, which I purchased, and are now asking me to file a claim. Since delivery confirmation shows it delivered, I doubt I'd get anywhere with that, though.

What should I do?

[ryborg]

Did they mail payment or pay with Paypal? If PP, did you ship to their Confirmed address? If so, there's really nothing more you can do. You'll also be covered if they try a chargeback.

USPS won't honor an insurance claim like that because there was no postal error. They only honor claims when there's loss or damage, and neither of that happened here.

[Cornelius]

They paid with a MO. I don't really just want to hang them out to dry, but really, it isn't my fault they can't/won't take the time to update their profile.

[Kitsune Sniper]

Uh... except you have to double check the address with them before sending out an item. I'm surprised the money order didn't come with an address written on it.

[Cornelius]

You double check addresses with all your buyers?!?!? With the lag-time some people have that would take forever, and I'm sure it would then be my fault their order took so long.

In any case, the addresses were similar enough that I didn't notice the difference during the course or filling out the shipping label, etc. Yes, the MO likely had the address on it, I don't recall for sure and I do think it was a bank MO, so maybe not.

None of that really matters as far as what to do now, though.

[Kitsune Sniper]

You double check addresses with all your buyers?!?!? With the lag-time some people have that would take forever, and I'm sure it would then be my fault their order took so long.

In any case, the addresses were similar enough that I didn't notice the difference during the course or filling out the shipping label, etc. Yes, the MO likely had the address on it, I don't recall for sure and I do think it was a bank MO, so maybe not.

None of that really matters as far as what to do now, though.

I double check whenever I receive a money order. If their PayPal address is wrong it's not my problem. :P

[jonjandran]

If they asked you to send to a certain address when they sent the money order, then it's your fault.

Just suck it up and give a refund.

You messed up now be a man about it. It's what you would want done for you if the tables were turned.

[Cornelius]

That's the thing, you manly man, you (), they didn't ask about it until well after a normal person would have shipped. The address on the MO was probably correct, but I shipped through paypal like I always do (and never had a problem).

If the tables were turned, sure that's what I'd want, but I'd also recognize my own fault for having the incorrect address listed with eBay. That happens to be a policy violation if I remember correctly.

Anyway, I'll probably offer a partial refund/split it with him. After all, for all I know this is SOP for the guy to get free stuff.

[jonjandran]

How did you "Ship through Paypal" if the buyer sent a money order and didn't use paypal?

[dao2]

How did you "Ship through Paypal" if the buyer sent a money order and didn't use paypal?

you can still buy shipping labels and such through paypal i think

[Cornelius]

Yeah, on your 'sold' list on eBay you can click the 'print shipping label' link (in the drop-down list if it isn't displayed), and that takes you to paypal and fills in the address stuff automatically. Granted, that automatic part is a big reason I missed it, but then, I had no reason to question their address on file with eBay, either. If I wanted a different address used, I'd have contacted the seller in every way possible, including a note in with the money order.

[Kitsune Sniper]

you can still buy shipping labels and such through paypal i think

For the record:

https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_ship-now

You can use that address to print out shipping labels with PayPal. It's a bit cheaper and you get free Delivery Confirmation.