Wed Jan 6 2021 16:14:28 |
Refused Packages: Another Repercussion of Holiday Crush
By: Ina Steiner
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An Etsy seller sought advice from fellow users after the tracking on a package their customer wanted to return went dark. Buyers have shown their displeasure in receiving items delivered late this holiday season due to unprecedented shipping delays, and now sellers are learning how to cope with "Refused" or "Return to Sender" items.
The seller explained that the buyer who ordered the item on December 17 (without upgrading to Priority shipping) wanted to return the package after realizing it would not arrive before Christmas.
"The package showed delivered on the 29th and she said she'll return it after she was back home. Now the package shows "Refused" on Jan 4," the seller said. "There's no tracking."
Fellow sellers offered advice, including a warning the package could take a long time to be returned (possibly several months, one seller wrote!).
According to the " Delivery, Refusal, and Return" guide in PDF format on the USPS website, "After delivery, an addressee may mark a piece of mail "Refused" and return it within a reasonable time if the mail or any attachment is not opened, except for mail listed in 611.1c(1) and 611.1c(2). Mail that may not be refused and returned unopened under this provision may be returned to the sender only if enclosed in a new envelope or wrapper with a correct address and new postage."
We've noticed a spike in chatter on industry discussion boards about USPS Intercept - you can learn more about the feature on the USPS website.
Sellers have been concerned about buyers who get refunds for delayed packages and then keep items when they do arrive. At least with packages refused for delivery, the seller gets the item back - without having to pay return shipping.
What's your experience with items refused/return to sender and with package intercept? And have you noticed any improvement in delivery times? |
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