eBay

teenytrinkets · ‎10-01-2018

I went to ship a package at a Canada Post retail outlet today, and the clerk told me the postal code was wrong, and I shouldn't ship it to that postal code, because it will likely be return to sender at my expense (and the package is $20 to ship). I confirmed in the Canada Post database that the buyer's postal code is registered to another address.

I contacted the buyer, and she insists that is the postal code provided is correct for her address. I also confirmed it myself when I Googled it.

So - who's right?

Normally, I wouldn't think twice about just shipping it to the address the buyer provided, but the clerk says If I ship to the address provided, Canada Post could return it (because it will scan as an error/incorrect postal code), and then I am out $20.

Should I buy insurance just in case they do this, or insurance only good if a package goes missing?

esclyons · ‎10-01-2018

Insurance does not cover a returned item, if you are shipping to the postal code provided in the paypal invoice, and you have confirmed it with the customer, then go ahead and ship it.. As long as you ship it to the paypal confirmed address you will be fine. you will be paypal protected..

teenytrinkets · ‎10-01-2018

Thanks for the response.

If the parcel is returned to me by Canada Post, Paypal does not protect me from losing my $20 shipping charge (and I pay for the shipping for my listings).

I need to know what recourse I have with Canada Post if they return the parcel because the postal is incorrect (to them) but is actually a correct postal code.

lachnrd · ‎10-01-2018

If it’s returned you are out of luck. I get this quite often with Canada Post saying the postal code is wrong and I always ship anyway as the system is flawed. Happens mostly for NL. I’ve never had a package not make it when they say it’s no good.

ypdc_dennis · ‎10-01-2018

Even if the postal code is incorrect Canada Post will try to deliver to the actual address on the package. It will just take a bit longer with human involvement if there is a sorting error.

I once had a package go to Kitchener when the postal clerk entered the wrong first letter on the postal code. Was redirected to the correct address in Montreal from Kitchener. Added one day to the delivery time.

-..-

lotzofuniquegoodies · ‎10-01-2018

FYI as per Canadapost website:

Why was my item returned to sender if the address exists?

https://www.canadapost.ca/web/en/kb/details.page?article=why_mail_is_returned&cat=sending&cattype=kb...

What happens to a letter or parcel that is addressed incorrectly?

https://www.canadapost.ca/web/en/kb/details.page?article=what_happens_to_a_it&cat=sending&cattype=kb...

For shipping internationally/USA it is possible to tag your parcel as either return to sender or abandon if you don't believe its worth the return costs. Not sure if that option is available for package label created at home.

-CM