sold item missing so can't ship--now what?

[caeruliviridis]

My item sold a couple of days ago but is now gone so I cannot honour the rest of the deal.  I am refunding the payment and will also offer the customer 10% off an item of their choice in the future.  Is there anything else I should be doing?

Thanks in advance for feedback.

[rykkm · Accepted solution]

You should also send a cancellation request to the buyer. Once they accept, and transaction is voided, you can get your final value fees back. I would also message the buyer of that item, and let them know that if you find the item, they will get first crack at it if they still are interested.

[caeruliviridis]

Thanks a bunch, Rick. An assistant with only the best of customer service intentions sold the item to a walk-in looking for the same kind of thing, as it turns out. My fault, poor communication, in process of opening a shop so all is awry.
Many thanks for your valuable suggestion, I really appreciate it.
Cheers,
Dael