Missing shipment
Summary: tonybjr209 expressed concern about a package shipped on August 7, 2026, that has not yet been delivered. Other participants suggested keeping the buyer updated, checking USPS tracking frequently, and filing a Missing Mail Search or a claim if necessary. They also advised against contacting the buyer unless they reach out first. Various tips were shared, such as signing up for email updates from USPS to potentially expedite package movement. The general consensus was to proactively manage the situation through USPS and communicate transparently with the customer if needed.
I shipped an item to a customer on August 7, 2026. They have not received it yet. It has been 19 days since shipment. It was sent by USPS Ground Advantage with tracking. The tracking number shows that it was scanned in and is out for delivery. The Post Office says I need to wait 30 days to file a claim. Is there anything that I need to do with eBay regarding the missing shipment? Thanks in advance for any feedback.
mam98031
·1 week agoThere are things a seller should do immediately when they see that a package is not moving like it should. A seller should do this even if the buyer has not reached out to them with a delivery issue or filed and INR.
First go to USPS and call up the tracking number.
https://tools.usps.com/tracking/
Once you call up the information, now sign up for the UPDATES you can get via Email. This act alone for some reason will shake a package loose from time to time. IDK why, but it has been known to happen.
After you take care of this. Now go and file for a TRACE on the package. You can file these after your package is delayed more than 7 days.
https://www.usps.com/help/missing-mail.htm
If your buyer has NOT contacted you about a late delivery, do NOT contact them. Gather the info and try to get the package moving and delivered. Do not create a problem where none currently exists. You will likely pay a price for doing that. However if your buyer has reached out to you, be transparent and honest with them. Tell them what you see on the tracking and that you have filed for a Trace on the package. It will typically take USPS 48-72 hours to reach out with an update. Assure the buyer that you will keep them updated as you gather information. This will go a long way to keep the buyer calm.
warrenshobbies
·1 week agoDid you happen to run the tracking through usps.com? I have multiple orders from that week that show "out for delivery" on ebay still but the usps site shows they were delivered. Same thing happened with a whole days worth of deliveries in July also.
mamacassidy
·1 week ago · EditedYou do not have to wait 30 days. For Ground Advantage, you can file a Missing Mail Search after 7 days and file a claim for a refund after 15 days.
Today, you should go to USPS.com and file a Missing Mail Search. Usually this will get the package "found" and moving back in the system.
If there is no change in tracking in 2 days from the mail search, go ahead and file a claim for a return. If the tracking doesn't show delivered, they will refund you.
As for your buyer, IF they are asking where their package is, tell them you're looking into it and you'll get back to them in a couple of days. If they have not contacted you, I'd not contact them.
In this case, more than likely, it was delivered but not scanned by the postal worker. I'd still file with USPS even if that's the case.
fern*wood
·1 week agoHow long ago was the out for delivery scan? There is the possibility it was delivered and didn't get scanned. Has your buyer said anything?
lb23cavaliersmvp
·1 week agoNot with ebay but in situations like this we regularly send the buyer updates both regarding the available tracking info, even though they can access it, and what you are doing to try and obtain info from the USPS. Are the 2 zip codes within the lower 48 states? ~ 1% of our packages are mishandled resulting in delays. In one instance a package shipped for delivery within our state was sent to Alaska. That said a few months ago I walked past a USPS truck and found an undelivered package lying in the street 2 feet from the truck. Fortunately the side window was open so I put it on the front seat. Anything is possible.