Received empty envelope
I bought an item for $38. It was shipped in a small white mailer. It was delivered empty and open. It doesn’t look like it was cut open, it looks like the mailer failed and opened at the seams. I messaged the seller and the response was that it was out of their hands once delivered but they would forward my information to usps and file a claim , said they would keep me posted. I just want to know how long I should wait and if I hear nothing am I just out my money or do I have any recourse?
Thanks.
 
14 comments
albertabrightalberta
·3 years agoI'm very surprised that USPS delivered a clearly damaged envelope without their sticker on it saying that the item was received damaged or damaged in processing. I've never seen an empty envelope delivered without some type of marking showing that it was delivered that way by USPS.
megafo_8472
·3 years agoI once had a BOX folded in half and crammed into my mailbox, so never underestimate the screwiness of USPS.
sandrshanno6
OP3 years agoUSPS is the worst!!
reallynicestamps
·3 years agoGive the seller some time to follow through on their promise to forward your information to USPS
No.
The seller has two contracts on this transaction.
He contracted with the buyer/OP to provide a $38 item. He failed to do that. He owes the buyer $38.
He contracted with UPS to pay $X for delivery of the item.
UPS failed to do that. UPS owes the seller at least the $X they were paid, and possibly more if insurance was purchased.
There is no reason for the buyer /OP to wait for the seller and UPS to settle their dispute.
@sandrshanno6 You are covered by the eBay Money Back Guarantee.
Whether the seller cooperates or not.
If you miss the 30 day deadline on that, you are also covered by Paypal (if you used it) for 180 days from payment.
And if you didn't use PP, you are covered by the chargeback provisions of the credit card you did use.
The only times you don't have Buyer Protection are when you use a gift card, debit card, or pay directly from your bank account (etransfer). That cash is gone.
woodrowmo-30
·3 years agoGive the seller some time to follow through on their promise to forward your information to USPS and file a claim. USPS may conduct an investigation to determine what happened during transit.
Make sure to keep a record of all your interactions with the seller, including messages and any updates they provide regarding the claim with USPS.
Review the seller's policies, particularly their return and refund policies, to see if they offer any protections or guarantees for situations like this.
If you paid for the item using a credit card or PayPal, you might be eligible for buyer protection. Contact your payment provider to inquire about any options for disputing the charge or seeking a refund.
12345jamesstamps
·3 years agoThe envelope looks like it has been torn open on the right side....and then sealed again.
Should show the entire evelope...not sure why the corner is hiding in both photos.
sandrshanno6
OP3 years ago 
 I picked it up from the unopened side knowing it was too flat for my product to be there but attempted to tear it at the top and quickly noticed it was open on the side
12345jamesstamps
·3 years agoYour envelope was also opened and resealed...by who I don't know. Did it get stuck in a sorting machine? Don't know. It looks resealed.
Envelope will still get mailed to you. I mailed myself a post card from Iceland and I got it (half of it in a plastic bag). Usually post office will write something on envelope or put it in plastic bag.
sandrshanno6
OP3 years agoI don’t believe it was resealed. The one corner was me trying to opening it before I realized the side was open. The sticky strip the seals the top is in tact and this is me pulling on it.
ms.rodriguez*
·3 years agoThis happens alot. I receipt an empty envelop that was supposed to contain sunscreen. I was refund after file an item not described case. That works too because I got an envelop filled with air. Sellers need to add tape to BOTH ends of those mailing envelopes because they can easily split open in the mail system.
Do NOT close the case. Do NOT accept another item from the seller. Ask for the refund and then if you really want that item and they have more, re-buy it and tell him to make sure that he/she tapes both ends securely.
sandrshanno6
OP3 years agoYea, the I bought was a round tube of Mac face primer so not like it was a document or birthday card inside. I’m sure that didn’t help.
sandrshanno6
OP3 years agoAlso, I did send the photos to the seller so they can see that it wasn’t tampered with. That’s literally how I got it.
qeqo_0
·3 years agoWith someone like that, completely stop talking to the seller.
Instead @sandrshanno6 click RETURN THIS ITEM to start a return request, select the MISSING PARTS OR PIECES reason, add a comment, upload your photos, and click Submit.
After 3 business days if you still don't have your $38 refund, go back to click Ask eBay to step in. If you get a prepaid return label, use that to return the empty mailer to get your refund.
sandrshanno6
OP3 years agoThank you. I thought it was a bit of a blunt response and no comment or anything expressing regret about the fact that it happened. The “I’ll keep you posted†comment might be just trying to get me to wait and wait because if they insured the item, they get the money and I feel that is on their end,not mine. I’ll do as you advised