Trying to retrieve a returned package, from eBay (Return request was refused)

[sowie72]

Hi,

I had an item which arrived damaged, beyond repair.  I contacted the seller and he basically palmed me off advising me to contact ebay. This item was a model tractor worth in excess of $500 US.

I had never filed a return claim before. I accidentally closed the case almost immediately after opening it (my mistake).

I attempted to send the package back using the DHL label ebay provided, again no experience with DHL, took it to my local post office and they told me it had to be sent via Australia Post. Three attempts to send, at my expense. Having problems with incorrect tariff to send back to USA. Finally got that sorted and package sent to the USA (ebay returns, as per the DHL label provided by eBay).  Item submitted 1st Dec 2025, arrived USA  12th Dec 2025 (signed for) Also managed to get a refund from Aus post for the two failed sending's.

Item arrives in the USA & is signed for.

I enquire as to whats next after not hearing anything back and after a number of runarounds get informed that I am not eligible for a refund.

Disappointed but ask for the package to be returned to me. Basically they cant tell me where it is, basically telling me its lost and they cant help me any further. Have contacted Easy Ship and ebay and after some slighly encouraging emails, the trail runs cold and just get b/s responses, not directly addressing my questions or telling me where my package is.

I am extremely distressed and dont know if I have any further avenues to pursue, to try and get my property, worth is excess of $500 US found and sent back to me.

Any advice would be appreciated,

Regards,

Craig.

[lezned-toycollector]

Once you closed the request, you in effect notified eBay that the issue was resolved to your satisfaction, and voided any coverage afforded by the MBG.

If you paid via PayPal, you're outside the timeframe to lodge a claim, unless you funded your payment by credit/debit card, in which case you could attempt a charge back through your financial institution. Likewise if you simply paid by credit/debit card. 

[sowie72]

Hi, thanks for your reply, much appreciated. I will contact my bank, as payment was via credit card.

[gutterpunkz05]

You can try a chargeback, but make sure you are aware of your legal obligations in doing so.

Also note, that ebay is likely to fight any such claim, on the basis that the item was not returned by DHL, as paid for with label and tracking.

It is likely the item has now arrived at its intended destination, via AP, without any relevant means of reconciliation.

[sowie72]

It was signed for at that end, I received notification via Aus Post of when it was delivered and signed for so you would think there would be some sort of record of it arriving at that facility and where it was put. They said something about an "unknown area" so there must be other items that end up in that area. I wouldnt think it would be hard to check but maybe I am naive? 

[gutterpunkz05]

Hi again,  when and how did you notify ebay that the item was not being returned via DHL, and that original tracking details were no longer valid.

[sowie72]

I didnt. I hadnt done a return before, had no experience here with DHL, didnt even know they existed here to be honest. When I initially went to the post office with the DHL label on the package, Aus Post said they couldnt send it and it had to have an Aus Post label, so thats what I did.

[gutterpunkz05]

But if you did not notify ebay of the change to carrier and tracking, they have no way of cross referencing receipt of the item to the original tracking/return details.  Whilst you received tracking notifications, ebay would not have, and your refund would be refused when the item failed to show it had been returned within the set timeframe. 

Given the scale and automation of these shipping facilities, locating a missing item could be problematic and virtually impossible with incorrect details.  You could try providing ebay with the AP details and request, if the item can be located, and returned to you at  your expense.