Brand new buyer lives in condo, didn't give me unit number, isn't responding to messages

[fergua3]

Brand new zero feedback buyer bought an expensive-ish item from me.  Not worried about that.  He lives in a condo but didn't give me a unit number and is not responding to my messages (the condo does not have a mail room or concierge, i called and checked).   Suggestions?

[fh991586]

AFAIK, undeliverable items due to error in shipping address from the buyer's part are not refundable. You might get your package back, and the buyer won't have any leverage for refund.

[fergua3]

yeah that's my understanding too but i'm not keen on shipping it if i know it probably won't get delivered.

i tried phoning the buyer.  The number he gave Ebay was only 7 digits (i assume no area code).  So i tried 905 and 416 which are the most common area codes in the GTA (the buyer lives in the GTA like i do).  One just rang and rang, the other i was able to leave a message, but have no idea who i was leaving it with.   No return call.

I guess eventually this guy will pop up.......he's out $280 if he doesn't.

[reallynicestamps]

https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/ebay-money-back-guarantee-policy/ebay-money-back-guarantee-policy...

@fergua3 could  send one more Message including this information -- that if the shipment is Undeliverable it comes back to you and they don't get any refund at all -- rien --nada- zip- nothing.

But more politely than that.

[fergua3]

well, paypal or credit card issuer would side with the buyer and he could make a good argument saying i knew the address was incomplete but shipped it anyway, so he should still be refunded as i was being malicious.

Anyway, i don't want the hassle.  I'm going to just wait,  I assume at some point he'll contact me or want a refund.  Until then, i'm keeping the  loot.

This guy seems pretty careless.  Incomplete address and incomplete phone number.  Not very detail oriented.

[marnotom!]

Why not just cancel the order with the reason “problem with address”?

[flipistics]

As @marnotom! said, just cancel the order as "problem with address". That's literally what the option is for. Relist it and message the buyer with the link if they wish to correct their address and buy it again.

I check all addresses when I send lettermail, but I often don't for packages, especially if using eBay labels. It's a good reminder that sometimes it's wise to do so.

[john_koenig99]

The incomplete address, I understand. But a number with no area code? I think eBay does not even allow that, when you create a profile in their site. 

[lotzofuniquegoodies]

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@john_koenig99 wrote:

The incomplete address, I understand. But a number with no area code? I think eBay does not even allow that, when you create a profile in their site. 

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eBay does have address verification. Probably not super effective when it comes to suite numbers or phone numbers. (Like when a buyer or seller use 999-999-9999 or uses a number they previously had.)

Yes, eBay has introduced an address verification feature called Address Validation. This feature helps both buyers and sellers ensure accurate shipping addresses are entered. 

How Address Validation Works:

• Automatic Error Detection: Address Validation automatically scans addresses for typos and errors.
• Postal Service Record Check: It checks addresses against postal service records.
• Suggested Address Notification: If an error is detected, it provides an automated notification with a suggested address. 

Benefits of Address Validation:

• Reduces Shipping Confusion: Helps prevent confusion when shipping a package.
• Minimizes "Item Not Received" Cases: Helps prevent buyers from reporting "Item Not Received" cases.
• Reduces Cancellations: Helps reduce cancellations due to incorrect shipping addresses.
• Prevents Returns: Helps prevent packages from being returned at the seller's expense. 

Address Validation automatically scans addresses for potential errors and typos, checking them against the postal service records.

That is why still the best option is to either google or confirm using a postal sites checker and then messaging buyer when there looks like there is an error. With the checker it will denote situations where there are muliple variations of an address in play.

Last last resort would be to cancel using problem with address. Now if only a buyer could update in  records without cancelling and having to repay? Anyone got a verified number for the wishful thinking dept. at eBay?

Important for anyone using eBay's checker to confirm it does not default to the wrong state. This does happen with duplicated streets etc. 

[reallynicestamps]

With cell phones, the area code is not necessarily anywhere near where the owner lives. I have a friend whose calls I recognize by his AB area code, although he has been in BC for nearly a decade.

And even local numbers may not have the 250 code I would expect - 688 is not unusual for cell phones here.

[fergua3]

well Ebay obviously does allow phone numbers without area codes.  The phone number listed for the buyer is just 7 digits long.  I am assuming the missing digits are the area code but they could be any 3 digits out of the 10, i suppose.  Doesn't change the fact that the phone number is incomplete.

I am aware of the cancel because of problem with address option.  Not really keen on using it.  First off, i've had this item for sale for several months and was glad to see it sell.  Since i'm going to be quitting selling at the end of this month relisting it now means it probably wont' sell.   Secondly, it took me over 3 hours to package this fragile item....not thrilled about having all that hard work go to waste because of some dope who can't write down a proper address or phone number and who doesn't check messages or respond if he does.   He is out $280....he'll turn up eventually and then i'll deal with the situation as appropritate.  I hate being stonewalled..

[lotzofuniquegoodies]

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@fergua3 wrote:

yeah that's my understanding too but i'm not keen on shipping it if i know it probably won't get delivered.

i tried phoning the buyer.  The number he gave Ebay was only 7 digits (i assume no area code).  So i tried 905 and 416 which are the most common area codes in the GTA (the buyer lives in the GTA like i do).  One just rang and rang, the other i was able to leave a message, but have no idea who i was leaving it with.   No return call.

I guess eventually this guy will pop up.......he's out $280 if he doesn't.

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Re: When return to sender happens there is a note at the bottom of each CP label for Canadian parcels (Unsure how it displays for USA or intl.) as follows...In case of non-delivery, return to sender at counter rates. Unsure if this is something new? Spotted on an incoming expedited label where shipper used their own account. 

When seller generates a return label, at least in Canada, the rate used would be sellers rate. 

[marnotom!]

I think at this stage a cancellation of the sale will get his attention more than additional messages will, if he’s really serious about the item.

[fergua3]

Anyway, it's all moot.  One of the phone numbers i tried was the right one and he called me back  late this evening.   He apologized for not providing his full address and told me his unit number.  I will ship out his purchase tomorrow morning.  A total of 4 days delay.