posted on December 9, 2000 02:34:06 PM new
This problem if not one for the books, is at least in the running. Several months ago I mailed off a very expensive scarf to Canada. Never heard from the buyer (not too unusual)and I never thought about it. Three days ago I get one of those registered letter things in my mailbox and I go to the PO and lo and behold it's the scarf. It's been 3 months and the buyer never got in touch with me. It seems that the scarf was never claimed. It was never claimed for good reason, the customs fee on the scarf was running about 75% of the value. I tried to e-mail him no response, I got his phone # from E-bay's contact page. I called and was told he longer lives there but she would get in touch. So far nothing. Now what??
posted on December 9, 2000 02:50:31 PM new
Hi,
I would think that you were no longer responsible. I mean if it were me, and I had paid for the scarf, I would do my best to contact you. And this buyer doesn't seem to care. You can only do so much.
posted on December 9, 2000 04:26:42 PM new
I would strongly suggest refunding his money. Even if he no longer lives at that address, surely he left a forwarding address. If he should remember that he paid you for merchandise that he never received, you'd be subject to mail fraud charges.
always pickersangel everywhere
posted on December 9, 2000 05:34:03 PM new
Just keep the documentation, the return notice from the PO. I don't see what good it would do to send a refund to someplace you know they don't live. Everyone does not leave a forwarding address. This is not fraud or even close to it.
posted on December 9, 2000 06:55:34 PM new
BTDT exactly as reddeer has described. I made reasonable attempts to contact bidder - including cert. mail, which was refused - but never heard from her again.
Very occasionally a creative bidder who wants to force a refund will pull this stunt, expecting you to behave as pickersangel directs. I wouldn't fall for it.
posted on December 9, 2000 07:14:13 PM new
Relist now to get that Holiday crowed.
I am surprised the bidder didn't contact you for over $150. I would have after ther first 15 days... LOL
Ain't Life Grand...
posted on December 9, 2000 07:31:57 PM new
Erost: Well, you have the money and a scarf doesn't take up much storage space. I'd wait at least 6 months (perhaps a year) before relisting. Keep the outer packaging which shows the package was never claimed. It is possible that the buyer refused delivery because of the charges and is hoping to get a refund from you by contacting you at a later date.
posted on December 10, 2000 04:32:57 AM newIt is possible that the buyer refused delivery because of the charges and is hoping to get a refund from you by contacting you at a later date.
Which is why I'd have no compunctions about relisting it NOW. Last time I checked, none of us were offering Layaway. Keep the packaging and correspondence, and resell the damned thing while there's a good pool of buyers.
posted on December 10, 2000 04:55:08 AM new
I'd list it right away. You can refund the money if the first buyer ever contacts you. She refused delivery. I would send an email to whatever address you have stating that this is what you are doing unless she responds immediately. And keep the email.
posted on December 10, 2000 04:59:25 AM new
I would assume the customer saw the customs tax (over $100) and decided it was not worth it. In that case, the scarf was abandoned. I don't know about your legal obligations. I would relist the scarf and refund the original buyer if you ever hear from her again. If you're concerned, send a certified letter to the last know address, stating that the scarf came back, you will hold it for 30 days, etc.
posted on December 10, 2000 05:50:50 AM new
in july, i shipped a winning bidder that him, her paid for. around 2 months later, it came back in my mail. never picked up? i emailed the person. never heard from them? so i mailed a check back for refund. that was late september. the person never cashed the check? i still have it,the item they paid for, but i don't think i'll ever hear from them again? by the way, i leave the money in my checking acount, just in case. basketman
posted on December 10, 2000 08:43:48 AM new
Something very odd here. $150 US = approx $225 Cdn.
Most items coming into Canada aren't charged a "Customs" fee, but are charged a Federal Tax [GST] and depending on the Province, possibly a Provincial Tax. [PST]
I'm assuming the $100 Customs fee you mentioned would be $100 Cdn [$66.00 US]
I do know that Textiles are one of the few items that carry a hefty import Tax/Tariff, and depending on the Country of Origin [where it was made] and whether or not you included a sales receipt, [Customs might have declared it at a higher value than what you sold it for?] might account for the $100 Cdn Tax.
Nevertheless, the onus is on the buyer at this point. I would sell the scarf now, and worry about the Canuck high bidder when & if they ever get back to you. Just don't spend the $$$, yet.
