How to Change Shipping Method on eBay After You’ve Made a Purchase

Buying on eBay is a convenient experience for many. However, it is common for buyers to overlook important details such as delivery details and shipping methods. While it may seem minor, choosing the right shipping method can strongly impact the delivery time and cost. 

Unfortunately, once an item has been purchased on eBay, it is not possible to change the shipping method directly through the platform. However, there are alternative workaround solutions by reaching out to the seller directly and either canceling the order or reordering the item with a new shipping method.

If you’re curious to know how this can be done, simply follow the step-by-step guide that we’ve provided below. Make sure to scroll all the way down to find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

Changing The Shipping Method After Purchasing on eBay

While uncommon, some buyers may change their minds about the shipping method they selected after having completed the checkout process on eBay. Perhaps there is a faster shipping option available, or a more economical one.

Unfortunately, eBay does not allow you to change the shipping method after you have completed your purchase. But, there is a workaround that will allow you to change the shipping method you want.

1. Contact Seller

The first step in changing a shipping method after purchasing on eBay is to contact the seller. This is important because the seller should be made aware of the changes you want to make. 

When you reach out to the seller, it is best to ask if they can facilitate the new preferred shipping method or if they would prefer you to cancel the current order and place a new one.

In most cases, the seller will request that you cancel the order and place a new one with the new shipping method. This is because shipping methods are priced differently, and it is not possible to retrospectively change the fees for you once the order has been confirmed and paid for.

2. Cancel Order

If the seller cannot accommodate the new shipping method, the order must be canceled. To cancel the order, go to your “Purchase History” from “My eBay” after logging into your account, find the order you want to cancel, select the “More Actions” dropdown menu, and then click on “Cancel This Order”.

It is important to note that you can only cancel an order shortly after the purchase is made and before the items are dispatched. Once the items have been dispatched, you will no longer be able to cancel the order, unless the shipper gives you permission.

3. Reorder Your Items

Once you have canceled the order, you will need to place a new order for the same items with the same seller. You can do this by clicking on “Add Items to Cart” or “Buy It Now”. Once you have the items in your cart, you can proceed to the purchasing step.

4. Proceed to Checkout & Select the New Shipping Method

Once you have added items to your cart, you can view the items you selected by clicking on the “cart” icon on the top right corner of the page. This will take you to a page that lists all the items you have added to your cart, along with the price, shipping cost, and total cost.

Next, you need to input or select payment details. eBay accepts various forms of payment, such as credit cards, PayPal, and even Apple Pay. Here you can either use the same payment method as your previous order or change it accordingly.

Once you have entered your payment details, select the correct shipping address. If you have multiple shipping addresses, select the one you want to use for this purchase. 

After you have selected the correct shipping address, it is time to select your new shipping method. eBay offers a variety of shipping options to choose from, so select the shipping method that best suits your needs, keeping in mind the delivery time and shipping cost. Take note that only the seller can list the shipping methods available for each listing.

5. Verify Payment Details & Shipping Method

Finally, verify your payment details, shipping address, and shipping method. Make sure all the information is correct and up to date. Once you have verified all the details, select “Confirm and Pay” to complete your purchase.

This will take you to a confirmation page that will show you the details of your order, including the items, shipping method, and total cost. Following these steps will ensure a smooth and hassle-free checkout process on eBay with your new shipping method.

Frequently Asked Questions

In the next section, we’ll address the most commonly received questions with regard to changing the shipping method on eBay after a purchase has been made.

Can I Change the Shipping Method After It’s Been Dispatched?

Unfortunately, once the seller has handed over your order to the logistics service provider, changing the shipping method is no longer possible. The order has already been dispatched and cannot be modified. It is best to retain the initially selected shipping method.

Can eBay Customer Support Help with Changing the Shipping Method?

eBay customer support cannot help with changing the shipping method, as it is the responsibility of the seller to process and ship the order. If you need to modify the shipping method, it is best to communicate directly with the seller. eBay customer support will often refer you to the seller for assistance.

Would I Get a Refund If I Changed to a Cheaper Shipping Method?

If the order has yet to be shipped and the seller accepts the cancelation, you can change to a cheaper shipping method, resulting in a full refund. You will need to purchase the same items again as a new order but with a different shipping method this time (and also different costs).

Alternatively, if you have discussed with the seller about changing to a cheaper shipping method and the seller has agreed, you may be given a partial refund for the difference in the shipping method cost.

However, if the order has already been shipped, it cannot be canceled, and you will have to retain the initially selected shipping method. It’s important to note that not all sellers will be able to facilitate your request to change shipping methods.

When it comes to domestic shipping, sellers typically only offer one shipping method. Moreover, eBay listings with free shipping don’t require any change, as the price is already accounted for.