WARNING: SHIPPING TO BUSINESS ADDRESSES DURING COVID-19

[silverpinups]

I just received a message from a buyer:

Hi, Unfortunately the package can't be delivered to the address provided before, as the office is closed due to Coronavirus.The only way it could be delivered is to change the address by the sender. In case it'll be shipped back to you, please resend it to a new address. If you can, please contact the post office and change the address to:

If you are still shipping packages to customers I would be wary of business addresses since most might be closed during the Covid-19 pandemic.

If you see a business address I would request a different ship to address from your buyer...

I am going to call USPS tomorrow to see if I can have the package redirected to the address the buyer wants it sent too...   

[cumos55]

The buyer might be able to change the address more quickly and more easily.

USPS may be able to catch the parcel because of the current situation,  based on what the buyer wants.

[silverpinups]

In the buyers message he says that the request has to come from the sender (me) so I will call USPS tomorrow and see what they say..... I will post their response.  

[lotzofuniquegoodies]

According to Canadapost only possible if the package is still in Canada with a Small Business account online.

Ineligible packages include, but are not limited to:

• Items confirmed as out for delivery or delivered
• Items where the redirected address is outside of Canada
• Items that are not or are no longer in the Canada Post domestic mail stream
• Return to sender items

For a fee, USPS Package Intercept® lets the sender or recipient stop delivery or redirect a package, letter, or flat that is not out for delivery or already delivered. Most domestic mailings with a tracking or extra services barcode are eligible for Package Intercept. You can only request a Package Intercept online.

https://www.usps.com/manage/package-intercept.htm

-Lotz

[silverpinups]

Thanks for the link.... I sent it to the buyer.

[silverpinups]

tyler@ebay 

This is a worse case scenario... but I'm wondering what happens if the buyer opens a item not received claim if the package could not be delivered to their business address because the office closed down due to Covid-19?

[tyler@ebay]

Hi @silverpinups - I'll cross my fingers that that doesn't happen either, but if an item not received request is opened we'd look to see if there was a delivery attempt (a 'business closed' scan would still count). If tracking confirms that, we would make sure you're protected. 

If it was sent without tracking then there's a possibility we'd ask you to issue a refund. 

I think it's also important to note that it shouldn't be necessary for you to change the address for the buyer as they can set up forwarding themselves or arrange a pickup at their local post office. Thanks!

[travis7s]

Luckily for me I haven't had a sale in 8 days! 

[lotzofuniquegoodies]

If your shipment is tracked they will see the following message when they check status. (eBay tracking link), No message noted at either usps.com/Canadapost.com when you check tracking status for the same package. (Yet). Being able to check tracking is handy so you can be at home if duties are owing or the parcel is larger and won't fit in the community mailbox.

Due to the coronavirus emergency, deliveries may be delayed.

-Lotz

[silverpinups]

tyler@ebay 

Hi Tyler,

Thanks for the info.. here is the tracking number: LM 133 361 146 CA

Please check the USPS.com site for info....

What is your recommendation going forward if sellers see business addresses in the buyers shipping details?

[silverpinups]

"Luckily for me I haven't had a sale in 8 days!"

My last two packages were mailed on Thursday Mar.12 and Friday 13th. Unfortunately no sales since....  

[tyler@ebay]

Hi @silverpinups - based on the tracking you provided you would be protected in the event that a buyer asked us to step into an item not received request as there was an attempt of delivery. 

My recommendation would be to ship to the address the buyer selects when they pay. If you have concerns about whether or not the buyer will be able to receive the item there I would contact them prior to shipping the item, but that isn't something that we would require you to do.