1 of my 6 packages was never scanned in by USPS and my ship by date is approaching.
Hi everyone!
I'm a new seller, been at it for a little over a week. I ship primarily video games, but have managed a few sales on CD's and DVDs.
On Friday I dropped off 6 packages at my local post office. These were Ground Advantage under 1lb labels purchased on ebay, going to various places all over the United States.
I dropped them all off in the pre paid package shoot/door you can open on the wall inside the lobby (Not the blue boxes you'd find on the street).
Unfortunately 1 of my packages was never scanned into the system!
The other 5 packages were tracked as normal, and most of them have even been delivered to the various buyers. Some of the buyers were thousands of miles away, while the missing un-scanned package was sent out to an address only a couple hundred miles away. I don't really assume that distance is an indicator that the un-scanned package should have delivered by now, just throwing that in for context.
I now heavily regret not spending the time to wait in line and have my packages scanned in by the clerk behind the counter. Lesson learned I suppose.
I assume there are 2 options: My package will suddenly appear as delivered/the tracking will finally update somewhere along the way, or it will disappear off the face of the earth.
My question is: In the event that it does disappear what happens? I can't file a claim because it technically states it was never dropped off to begin with, just that a label was printed and a tracking number was generated.
Have any other sellers faced this issue, and more importantly, have any of you had the package never turn up? I'd just like some information on this situation going forward. I'm fine with eating a loss as a lesson learned, but I'd like to know if there were any solutions or happy endings in these kind of situations.
Let me know, I'm really enjoying being a seller on ebay and I'm hoping to continue my journey no matter what!
funfinds122
·2 years agoA lesson learned. (don't we all?)
Next time don't just drop off your packages. Stay in line and have them scanned by the postal clerk in your presence, and receipt(s) printed & handed to you.
micheleeilermann
·2 years agoI am dealing with this same issue now.
Post office is overwhelmed.
You must take all preprinted labels thru to an attendant and get a receipt.
Then they will be scanned at window.
Preprinted labels are not always being scanned.
Tracking to me is false advertising.
Michele
gladsells
OP2 years agoThanks Michele. My package ended up delivering to the buyer with no additional issues.
I hope your issue is solved as well!
Take care!
reallynicestamps
·2 years agoIs the customer complaining?
If not, do nothing.
The only time tracking is important is when the customer files a Claim. Your defence against an INR is your Proof of Delivery.
If that is missed too, you have a problem.
gladsells
OP2 years agoGreat advice, thank you!
pghcondors
·2 years agoDon't worry about it. Your package will eventually be scanned and delivered. Just be patient.
johnrj1226
·2 years agoNot ALWAYS - had two different packages shipped on different dates go totally lost at he same USPS sort center in New York City. The only 2 lost out of 1665 shipments on eBay. Don't sell on line any more. Leaving it all to the Z generation to handle.
Am a '44 model - almost a Boomer.
rudy2828
·2 years agof you can do all the labels at one time you can print a USPS scan sheet. It will save time at the counter.
johnrj1226
·2 years agoFor the future - don't just drop off you packages. Stand in line and get them scanned before you leave. That way you know they were. Yeah you might have to wait but do it in the early morning and life will be good again. Have had packages not show a scan until the actual delivery estimated delivery time.
See today's "human factor" is less reliable than ever before in most every phase of business including the USPS but they get more money for it.. They love to call it a glitch. But a glitch in my opinion is an "human error" that no one will ever take responsibility or it is a game of finger pointing time.
robbie31415
·2 years agoIt's worth it to always get a scan.
If your PO has a kiosk that's a good way to avoid the line and get an acceptance scan.
If your PO is small it might not have one.
Some packages show up late in the chain. So don't lose hope it will pop up.
If it never does then you have to eat it because there is no record the carrier ever got it unfortunately.
orangehound
·2 years agoJust for clarity, the Kiosk does not provide an acceptance scan, at least as far as USPS insurance is concerned (otherwise, a person could scan at the kiosk, never put it in the chute, and then file an insurance claim based on the package being lost).
However, I have read on here that eBay is treating those kiosk scans as the equivalent of an acceptance scan.
robbie31415
·2 years agoAnd yet I've received full insurance payments for multiple packages that ONLY had kiosk scan.
After you use the kiosk you get a receipt and it does say 'Accepted'.
So even though they call it a provisional acceptance, I've never had issue with insurance.
Also, they can check the cameras based on kiosk use. And see if you just walked out.
68barbie
·2 years agoI recently had a package missing after only scanning at the kiosk. I filed an insurance claim, fulling expecting to be denied. To my surprise they approved and paid the claim! I'm not sure what kind of process they used to approve- maybe they checked the lobby cameras and saw me drop it in the box?
-C
gladsells
OP2 years agoHappy to hear that! I'm sorry you had to deal with that. Mine got all sorted and delivered without any issue in the end, but I had to move along the process by calling the 800 number!
simba6
·2 years agoDon't contact the buyer and give them any ideas. Many packages get delivered and never get a scan.
You are correct , your not insured and will be refunding if a case is filed.
You can try a call to the USPS 800 number on their web site. They can pull up a lot more info than what is on line. I have had a few packages found and delivered that way.
gladsells
OP2 years agoI contacted the USPS 800 number. After being talked in circles by a robot for an hour, and waiting on hold for what seemed like forever, I finally was able to give the tracking number and sending/receiving address to an associate.
An hour later I received a call from my local PO (the one I dropped it off at) stating that my package was sent off and had missed the scan.
Then later that evening my tracking updated and showed it as moving! YAY! Luckily I learned a good lesson for free! Can't beat a free lesson!
For reference, this is how my tracking currently looks. I have omitted the exact location. Thank you all for your advice!
kensgiftshop
·2 years agoIf it never shows up and the buyer opens a case, you'll have to refund.
As far as USPS, if it was never scanned, there's no proof you ever dropped it off, so you won't get anything through them.
You might contact your PO and see if they'll check and see if the package got dropped in the back room somewhere.