topic Re: Return/Tracking issues in Selling

Return/Tracking issues

luminaluxeandbeauty — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 07:13:27 GMT

“I followed eBay return procedures, however the buyer-provided return tracking shows delivery to a different country than my registered seller address. I’m posting to highlight a potential loophole that may impact other sellers.”

I included the screenshot. Since I’m an Australian seller and the item was returned to the UK instead of being delivered to me in Australia, I lost 1.5K. I have canceled the international shipping option from my listing.

Sandy Brach not in Australia its scootland area.

Im trying to save other fellows .

Kind regards

Re: Return/Tracking issues

twyngwyn — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 07:18:21 GMT

Exactly what return procedures did you follow?

Re: Return/Tracking issues

luminaluxeandbeauty — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 07:30:26 GMT

I followed eBay’s standard return process.

The buyer opened a return request through eBay, and I accepted the return as required. The buyer then uploaded their own return tracking number.

That tracking shows the item marked as “delivered,” however the delivery location shown is in the UK (GB), not Australia where my registered seller return address is located.

I raised this with eBay during the appeal, as the tracking does not confirm delivery back to the seller’s country or address. I’m sharing this to highlight a potential return-tracking loophole for seller awareness.

Re: Return/Tracking issues

twyngwyn — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 08:19:21 GMT

Is the buyer in the UK?

Has it gone to the hub?

Re: Return/Tracking issues

luminaluxeandbeauty — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 09:49:37 GMT

Yes buyer from Uk

it was my 1st international shipping. No it wasn't through hub. I wasn't aware of HUB option.

Re: Return/Tracking issues

luminaluxeandbeauty — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 10:23:05 GMT

This was my first international shipment and it was not sent through eBay’s Global Shipping Program, as I was not aware of that option at the time.

Prior to dispatch, I contacted the buyer to confirm they were aware of potential VAT and import charges. The buyer’s account had been created on the same day as the purchase, so I wanted to ensure there were no misunderstandings. The buyer confirmed via eBay messages that they understood and agreed to pay any applicable VAT charges.

After the item arrived in the UK, the buyer opened a case stating the item had not been received. As the item was sent using Australia Post via eBay and tracking confirmed delivery, eBay closed this case in my favour.

The buyer then opened a second case claiming the item was “not as described.” This was not accurate, as the issue related to unpaid VAT charges rather than the item itself.

I accepted the return in good faith. The buyer informed me that they had already uploaded a return tracking number to eBay. A few days later, when I contacted the buyer to ask when I should expect the return, they stated that the item had been returned to their address without paying VAT and that they had subsequently received the item back. Despite this, the buyer stated they no longer wished to keep the item.( once item arrives in UK they said they cant pay vat )

On 19/12/2025, the buyer advised via eBay messages that they would resend the item back to me and provide a new tracking number. I waited for this updated tracking, however I then received an automated email from eBay stating that the item had been delivered and that I was required to issue a refund. At that point, I had not received the item.

I informed eBay of the above communication, all of which is documented within eBay messages. However, the third tracking number provided by the buyer showed the item as “delivered,” despite the delivery location being outside Australia. As a result, the buyer received a full refund (24/12/25 )

I subsequently asked the buyer to open a missing item enquiry with Royal Mail, however I did not receive any further response from the buyer.

Above both screenshot for the 3rd tracking.

Re: Return/Tracking issues

twyngwyn — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 03:35:16 GMT

What is the item number?
Who paid for the return postage?

It sounds like a scam!

Re: Return/Tracking issues

luminaluxeandbeauty — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 03:59:53 GMT

On the first two occasions, I was provided with the same tracking number that I had previously sent to them, as they had failed to collect the package from the post office due to VAT charges. However, on the third and final attempt, they supplied a different tracking number to eBay. Within two days, the parcel was delivered to their country (UK) instead of Australia. Since they did not collect the parcel, I was unable to generate a label for it. Furthermore, without any communication, they utilized their own tracking number. As previously mentioned, I had reached out to them to inquire about the return of the parcel.Indeed, it was a classic scam. Therefore, I have decided to cease selling internationally. I had placed my trust in the system, believing that once I confirmed, eBay would release the payment since they could clearly see the postal address. I was unaware that most of the time it is an automated system (it was 1st international shipping )

Re: Return/Tracking issues

twyngwyn — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 04:25:03 GMT

Can you confirm:

original return was RTS (no postage cost) supposedly?

second return, the buyer either paid for shipping back to you, so it was in their possession at some stage (as you can’t generate a label for o’seas purchase) or they sent nothing at all?

Have you appealed to eBay, noting that tracking, was to the UK?

Re: Return/Tracking issues

luminaluxeandbeauty — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 04:52:26 GMT

Thank you for your response.

Yes, the original return was RTS (Return to Sender) due to unpaid VAT/customs charges, so there was no return postage cost as the item was never delivered to the buyer (1st case which close to my favour ) As i didn't receive the item back /was sent to customer on time .

Then they opened 2nd case( same time they upload tracking ) which they said, item not as described ,still i accept the return

After that, the buyer stated ( 2nd time i chekc with them to know when im getting back -as tracking was continullay shows that item in UK) they received the item back at their address without paying Vat ( they inform to ebay about same tracking no)and said they would return it again to me .

(3rd time )I did not generate any return label ,they text me night time and when i awake up they already sent third tracking to ebay.

I appealed to eBay and explained that the tracking only confirms delivery to the UK and that the item has never been returned to me.

However, Ebay alredy refund to them including shipping charges.

yes i appeal twice still they close the case of the buyer's favour.

Re: Return/Tracking issues

twyngwyn — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 04:59:07 GMT

The sheer fact that they did not ask for return shipping, tells all.

They’ve sent ‘something’ to a mate in Scotland.

Have you been to HELP (top of page) and typed in ‘speak to agent’?

When you do, cut n paste this thread, along with most pertinent dot points.

Good luck!!

Re: Return/Tracking issues

luminaluxeandbeauty — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 05:12:17 GMT

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply and for your helpful advice — I really appreciate it.

Yesterday, I contacted eBay by phone and the customer service agent advised that they would try to resolve the issue. However, after that call, I received an email stating that the case cannot be reopened and is permanently closed in the buyer’s favour .

Would you still recommend to talk to agent after closing the case permanently?

What is confusing is that both screenshots clearly show that no return to me .To avoid this situation, i asked buyer before shipping still i faced this hard time and lost the money.

Thank you again for your guidance — I truly appreciate your support.

Re: Return/Tracking issues

twyngwyn — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 05:16:06 GMT

Yes, certainly keep contacting them…. it’s worth 1.5k to you. How many hours work is that?

You can also contact them via social media ie Facebook where they are reportedly more helpful, and exposed!!

Re: Return/Tracking issues

luminaluxeandbeauty — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 05:20:34 GMT

I will continue following up, including via social media as you suggested. Thank you again for taking the time to help — it truly means a lot.

You are right, let me honest i couldn't sleep two nights.

Thank you again ♥️♥️♥️

Re: Return/Tracking issues

twyngwyn — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 05:25:51 GMT

I hope you win….Happy New Year 🤞

Re: Return/Tracking issues

gutterpunkz05 — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 05:30:39 GMT

Tracking shows the service as International Tracking with destination country Australia. No idea what sandy brach is.

Re: Return/Tracking issues

twyngwyn — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 05:44:30 GMT

Sandy Beach?

the plot thickens

Re: Return/Tracking issues

twyngwyn — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 05:52:37 GMT

Has anyone contacted them via Royal Mail?

https://help.royalmail.com/personal/s/article/Marked-as-delivered-but-not-received

Re: Return/Tracking issues

luminaluxeandbeauty — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 05:58:18 GMT

Yup ,we live in sandy beach however web says sandy brach ,also when I checked others details ,I couldn’t find any house no etc .and see the dates -I mean within two days from processing centre UK to Australia and delivered 🫣

Re: Return/Tracking issues

luminaluxeandbeauty — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 06:00:39 GMT

Yup i tried several times ,i cant lodge the complaint as im not sender. Hence i request ti buyer( ebay advised me )to help me to lodge the case ,However no reply from them.