I had sold an item that was around $1000 back in November 2019 through the Ebay Global Shipping Program. Usually, Paypal requires signature confirmation for items over $750, but I figured since this was via GSP, the mere fact that the item hits the GSP and then gets re-routed to the buyer’s country, I didn’t have to use signature confirmation.
Anyhow, fast forward 3.5 months and I get a Paypal chargeback for $1000. My immediate thought was, “Oh shit, did I have signature confirmation?” That’s when I remembered I did NOT. I had also heard Fedex tracking numbers disappear or get reused after 90 days too, so I was VERY WORRIED. Luckily, the Fedex Ground tracking number still appeared online, showing a delivery to Erlanger, KY.
I uploaded the tracking number into the Paypal case and waited about 1-2 weeks. I was also looking through my emails to see if I saved those GSP emails that say, “Your GSP item is on its way.” Unfortunately I deleted that too. I gave myself a 50/50 chance of passing the Paypal chargeback. I figure I’d have to call up Ebay to see if they can get the international tracking number or something to show delivery. Luckily, Paypal came back and I won the case.
What are the lessons learned here? One, save those “Your item is on its way” emails from Ebay GSP (you may need it later on.) Two, it appears you don’t need signature confirmation for items over $750 when it’s shipped to GSP, but I STILL HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT. Three, I’m not saying all Chinese buyers are bad (dropship or GSP) and I realize this person is in Canada, but the previous 3-6 month chargeback scam I received was also a Chinese buyer, so now when I see a Chinese name to a dropship address and the item is worth over $100, I use signature confirmation so I can pull up the tracking number in 6 months if need be.