3 min article

Help a buyer with an item they didn't receive

If a buyer doesn't receive their item, they're entitled to a refund unless you can provide tracking information showing that it was delivered.

Are you a buyer and haven't received the item you bought? Read our article on what to do if you haven't received your item

If your buyer hasn't received their item and the estimated delivery date has passed, they'll let you know there's an issue by opening an “Item not received” request. If a buyer opens a request, we'll send a message with all of the details to your registered email address – it'll also be available in your Messages - opens in new window or tab.

Once a request is opened, you've got 3 business days to resolve the issue. After that time, either you or the buyer can ask us to step in and help resolve the issue.

If tracking details show the item was delivered after the item not received request was opened, both you and the buyer will get an email notification. The request will then close automatically within 24 hours unless the buyer asks eBay to step in and help.

When a buyer opens a request, please be aware that funds related to the sale in your PayPal account may be put on hold. Once the issue is resolved, or we find in your favor, the hold is lifted and the funds are available again.

What to do when a buyer opens an item not received request

In the email you received telling you the buyer's issue, select See request details. You'll find information on whether the buyer is requesting a refund or would prefer to still receive the item. You'll also see your response options:

Add tracking details – You can provide tracking information showing the date you shipped the item, the date it was delivered, and the address it was delivered to. If the item is worth $750 or more, it should also show the signature confirmation of the recipient.

More info

Here's how to add tracking information:

  1. Select Add tracking details and then Continue.
  2. Enter the tracking number, or if you don't have it, the date you shipped the item.
  3. Select the carrier you used from the dropdown list.
  4. You have the option of adding a note to the buyer.
  5. Select Add tracking details.

Once your tracking details show that that item has been delivered to your buyer's ZIP code, both you and the buyer will get an email notification. The item not received request will then close automatically within 24 hours, unless the buyer asks eBay to step in and help.

Refund the buyer – The buyer will get a full refund, including the original shipping costs. Choose this option if you don't have tracking that shows the item was delivered or tracking details that shows that the package has been in transit without movement for 7 days or more (10 for international deliveries).

More info

Here's how to refund the buyer:

  1. Select Refund the buyer and then Continue.
  2. You'll see the refund amount, and you have the option of adding a message to the buyer.
  3. Select Refund the buyer.

The buyer will be refunded through their original payment method, and your final value fee will show as a credit on your next invoice.

Send a message to the buyer – If you'd like to speak with the buyer directly to try and resolve their issue, you can send them a message. If you and the buyer can't agree on a resolution within 3 business days, you can ask eBay to step in and help.

More info

You can contact the buyer directly to try to resolve the issue:

  1. Select Send a message to the buyer.
  2. On the next page, enter your message and select Send.

It's worthwhile asking the buyer to review the delivery address they provided and to check with their neighbors in case the item was delivered when they weren't home.

You can also use this option if the buyer would rather have the item than a refund. Let them know their replacement is on its way, then ship the new item and upload tracking information to the request.

If there are any issues or if you can't come to an agreement with the buyer after 3 business days, you or the buyer can ask us to step in and help.

  Resolve an item not received case

Tip
You should report missing packages to the shipping carrier you used – they may be able to help.

Get help from eBay

If you and the buyer haven't been able to resolve the issue within 3 business days, we're always ready to step in and help.

The easiest way to resolve "item not received" requests is to provide tracking details showing the delivery address and delivery date of the item.

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