Seller says my cards were shipped, but USPS still shows “Awaiting Item” — what should I do?
Summary: anawaynecards is seeking advice due to a situation with a seller on eBay. They purchased collectible cards, but USPS tracking shows the package is still awaiting drop-off, despite the seller claiming to have shipped it and having a receipt as proof. Other participants advise waiting until the estimated delivery date passes and then opening an Item Not Received (INR) case if necessary. There's further discussion about whether the seller has a trustworthy reputation, which could impact the decision to wait or take further action.
I’m looking for advice from other eBay buyers because this is the first time I’ve experienced this situation.
I purchased Alexandra Eala cards from a seller. The seller says the cards were shipped and provided USPS tracking.
The USPS Ground shipment history shows:
Aug. 4 – 4:04 PM: Shipping Label Created, USPS Awaiting Item
Aug. 4 – 12:00 AM: Shipping Label Created, USPS Awaiting Item
Aug. 4 – 12:00 AM: Pre-Shipment Info Sent to USPS
There is still no USPS acceptance scan showing that USPS actually received the package.
I contacted the seller because the cards have not arrived. The seller told me:
“I sent the card out already. I dropped it off at the post office. I have no idea why it was not scanned, but it was shipped.”
The seller then specifically stated:
“It was shipped - it has tracking - I also have a receipt showing it was dropped off.”
This is where my concern comes in.
If the seller says he has a receipt showing that the package was dropped off at USPS, why has he not provided a picture or copy of that receipt when I asked for proof?
I am not asking for something unreasonable. Since USPS tracking still says “USPS Awaiting Item” and there is no acceptance scan, the seller's claimed receipt would be important evidence that the package was actually handed over to USPS.
If he truly has the receipt, I would expect him to simply provide a picture of it so there is proof that the package was dropped off. If USPS failed to scan it, then the receipt should help establish that the seller actually gave the package to USPS.
The seller also said that another package he sent at the same time had the same scanning issue but eventually arrived. I understand that USPS scans can sometimes be missed. However, in this case, the seller says he has a receipt, yet he is not providing the receipt as proof.
What makes me even more concerned is that these are Alexandra Eala cards, and around the time of this transaction, her cards were rapidly increasing in popularity and value. Because of the timing, I cannot help but wonder whether the cards were actually shipped.
I am not saying the seller definitely did not ship the cards. I am simply asking why, if he says he has proof of the USPS drop-off, he cannot provide that proof.
This is the first time I have experienced something like this in all my eBay transactions.
I am keeping the seller's name, order number, tracking number, and other confidential information private because this is a public Community post.
For experienced eBay buyers:
If a seller claims to have a USPS drop-off receipt, but refuses to provide a picture/copy of the receipt while USPS tracking still shows “Awaiting Item,” would you consider that a reasonable concern?
What would you do in this situation?
simba6
·2 weeks agoSit tight until one day past the last delivery date. Then if they have not arrived, file an item not received case.
In many cases the postal service does not scan packages right away. In some cases they don't get scanned until delivered and some never get a scan.
fm2000
·2 weeks ago · EditedYou don't need to (and shouldn't) do anything until the estimated delivery date has passed. Then, you open an INR.
There may have been a problem with the printed label being off and not scanning properly as it goes through the system, the package may just show up just fine and on time. Did you check your seller's feedback before buying? Are they an established, trustworthy seller with stellar feedback? If so, no need to worry until the delivery date passes. 1-2 times a year out of thousands of packages I have this happen with a package and it still shows up fine, with no explanation as to why it didn't scan.
albertabrightalberta
·2 weeks ago · Edited@anawaynecards
On your order page, what does it show as the estimated delivery date?
If that date has passed, go back to the order and click that you haven't received the item.
If tracking doesn't show delivery, the case will be closed and you'll get a refund.
EDIT: @anawaynecards
I see that you're in the Philippines.
What shipping service did the seller use to ship your item?
Did the seller ship directly to you in the Philippines or did they ship to a US address that would forward the package to you?
anawaynecards
OP2 weeks agoItem s will be ship in oregon its less than a week to delivered
albertabrightalberta
·2 weeks ago · EditedAgain, what date is shown as the EDD (estimated delivery date) on your order?
"Item s will be ship in oregon its less than a week to delivered"
So you used a freight forwarder, right?
anawaynecards
OP2 weeks agoWas estimated Tuesday Aug 11
i gave time to te seller but still he insist he sent it, but cant provide proof.
So you used a freight forwarder, right? yes if a forwarder recieved it. They will scan it and update it.
kensgiftshop
·2 weeks agoIf the estimated delivery date has passed, open an Item Not Received case.
anawaynecards
OP2 weeks agothanks,