what to do about lost item

[goingbacktowork]

Royal mail have now lost 5 parcels I sent in the last month (all at different times - I think things are being taken but that is a different story). I know it is about 15 working days before one can claim for lost items but what do you do in the meantime? Shall I just refund to buyer and then hope they bother to confirm to royal mail for lost item so that I can get stamps as compensation? What is the upside for them to do this one their money has been refunded?

In the meantime can I somehow get the transaction reversed through ebay or I will be left with no money for lost item (as it will have been refunded) and have to pay commisssion charge on something that was not sold.

Any advice gratefully received. Thank you.

any ideas please?

Having a similar issue & not sure what to do either.
I have a buyer who purchased an item costing £25 from me. After she won the item I discovered she came from a European country. (normally I sell only to uk) I stupidly agreed to send her the item, but postage was £10. I posted her item, 3 weeks later she hasn't received it. I have a receipt from post office, but they say there is nothing they can do? The lady wants her £25 and £10 postage back.....not sure what to do, so watching this thread with interest

You will have to refund and many buyers will not wait for 15 working days for a refund. All you can do is claim from the post office using your COP once the 3 weeks have passed. If you don't refund them in full buyers will open a case against you and that will be a black mark against your account