Item not received after 6 weeks

[MiddleMoffat]

Buyer had just told me that she hasn't received an item that I sent on 18 April. I'm pissed off as I don't know if I have the certificate of posting still. She's only just noticed, apparently.

I supposed I will have to refund won't I?

They are probably out of time in opening an eBay case (30 days from latest expected delivery date) but are in time to open a PayPal case (180 days).

You could either automatically refund or tell them to open a case. The problem with the latter is they might try and fail via eBay and then leave you horrible feedback.

Personally I'd be inclined to refund.

It's just very unlikely they've only just noticed isn't it. More likely that they deliberately want to subvert the eBay process if they didn't like the item or wanted to try to get it for free so intend to initiate a credit card chargeback via PayPal which will happen (and be upheld with no compensation from PP to you) if you didn't follow seller protection rules (which used to mean signed receipt of delivery; proof of postage was worth zilch). Did you send it signed-for? This is a really common scam.

Personally I wouldn’t give a refund. There’s no way they’ve only just noticed they haven’t received the item! It’s too late for them to claim Nader ebay rules, think also too late for PayPal.

If they open a case with either, money is not automatically given back to them, they talk to you first also to get your side of things.

I’d politely email back asking why they’ve taken 6 weeks to inform you. Chances are if you’re assertive with them they’ll just give up and try their scam on someone else.

you didn't follow seller protection rules(which used to mean signed receipt
of delivery; proof of postage was worth zilch)
Did you send it signed-for?

No longer true. For the last year ish. As long as the item sent was parcel sized (not letter or large letter), a proof of postage will have a reference number on it, this can be used to get a delivery status from the RM website.

This is enough to win a not received dispute with eBay or PayPal (as long as it shows as delivered, obviously).

The only issues with this service is that you’re only covered for up to £20 compensation should the item get lost. If it’s over £20 but under £50 then you may want to consider paying the extra for Signed for.

To save any issues you’re always best uploading this or a Signed for reference number against the sales record as soon as the item has been sent.

Back to the OP........ if the buyer opens a not received case with eBay, you won’t need to refund, no. Any cases opened with them after 30 days of the end of delivery estimate, are for communication purposes only (ie eBay won’t force a refund).

However, if they open a PayPal case then their rights extend for 180 days, so you will have to refund yes.

Thanks for the comments, if she wants the money she'll have to open a case/es then and I'll just ride it out!

Good luck moffat, please post the outcome of you can. And @19lottie82 thanks for the info updating my understanding.

I had someone do this, when I checked the tracking number thing on the receipt it was at the parcel office and they just hadn't bothered to collect it 🤨

I would have a good hunt for your postage receipt for the tracking number.