Changing your delivery address on eBay is simple if done before a purchase is made. However, once the order has been placed, it becomes more complicated. eBay uses the address linked to your account at the time of payment, which is automatically passed to the seller. That means timing is everything. If you spot a mistake or need the item delivered elsewhere, you’ll need to act quickly.
How to Update Your Address Before Buying
The easiest way to change your delivery address is to update it before placing an order. You can do this by going to your account settings, selecting your addresses, and editing or adding a new one. Once updated, the new address will appear at checkout and can be selected as the delivery destination. If you're sending a gift or ordering to a work address, it’s a good idea to double-check the correct address is selected before confirming payment.
Can You Change the Address After Purchase
Once an item has been purchased, you cannot directly edit the delivery address through eBay. The system locks in the address that was chosen at checkout to protect both the buyer and seller. If you've placed an order with the wrong address, the only option is to contact the seller immediately. Some sellers may be able to cancel the order, allowing you to repurchase with the correct address. Others may offer to ship to a different address if they haven’t already dispatched the item, but this is entirely at their discretion and outside eBay’s official policy.
What If the Item Has Already Been Dispatched
If your parcel has already been marked as dispatched, there is very little that can be done. Couriers use the address information supplied at the time of the order, and it’s not possible to change the delivery address once the package is in transit. In some cases, you may be able to intercept or redirect the parcel through the courier’s tracking system, but this depends on the courier used and the type of service selected by the seller.
What Happens If the Address Is Invalid
If an invalid or undeliverable address is used, the parcel is often returned to the seller. In these cases, the seller may offer a refund or redelivery once the item is received back, but you could be responsible for any additional postage charges. To avoid this, always confirm your address is up to date, especially if you’ve recently moved or are ordering to an alternative location.
Can You Add Multiple Addresses to Your Account
Yes, you can save multiple addresses to your eBay account and select the one you want to use at checkout. This is helpful if you often send items to different locations, such as a workplace, holiday address or family member. You can also name each address for easy reference. However, the default address will always be pre-selected, so it’s important to double-check before placing each order.
How to Contact a Seller About an Address Issue
If you realise the address is wrong after purchase, go to your purchase history, find the item, and click “Contact Seller.” Explain the issue clearly and politely, and ask if they’re able to cancel or redirect the delivery. Sellers are under no obligation to change the address once payment has been made, but many will help if the parcel hasn’t yet been dispatched. If they agree to cancel, you can re-order the item with the correct details.
Summary
Changing your delivery address on eBay is simple before checkout but difficult after the order is confirmed. Always make sure your address is up to date in your account settings, and double-check it at the point of purchase. If a mistake happens, contacting the seller quickly is the only way to try and resolve it. Once an item is dispatched, changes are rarely possible, so timing is key.