USPS Nightmare
Two of the last four packages I have shipped (clothing, both to the same buyer in Florida) have had problems. One was picked up from my mailbox by a substitute carrier, never scanned and apparently lost. I had to give my buyer a refund. Because it was never scanned, I can't collect on the insurance. The other package is stuck at the 1 million square foot regional sorting facility just south of me, with no updates for five days. I have no proof that it's there, just the word of my local post office.
Is anyone else having problems? It seems that the USPS is a hot mess. I'm angry because I have 100% feedback and this makes me look (and feel) bad.
9 comments
bonanza125
·1 year ago"Because it was never scanned, I can't collect on the insurance."
Which is why it is important to scan it with a clerk or the kiosk in your area first before you drop the package off. Never just leave a package at drop off or a bin without getting it scanned first. I would say this might be because of the holiday season. So you will experience delays. Lots of people using service.
12345jamesstamps
·1 year agoI have has no problems with the USPS. in many years.
But then again, I don't use eBay shipping labels.
I walk everything to the post office.
Packages do not always get scanned throughout their journey.
Some do not even get scanned as "delivered".
There are honest buyers and a few not so honest buyers who have received their packages.
I have many packages still open in tracking.
fern*wood
·1 year agoSo why do you claim you have/has no problem with USPS in years, but go on to state problems? You do realize printing an ebay label isn't the kiss of death you like to repeat all the time? I sure hope new sellers understand this.
oldwestcoins
·1 year agoYou don't have to tell me about USPS problems in Florida. I sell under another ID and am a retired Postmaster of 33 years. I have continual problems getting items to Sarasota. Fifty percent of the time, they are received damaged even though I double-box and tape the H out of them. I mail mainly Express, which always fails overnight when going to Florida. If it makes you feel any better, I presently have an Express shipment stuck in Sarasota that has been sitting for over 6 days. It shows as being returned to me because it was received damaged - again. Am I concerned about what it looks like and whether the contents are intact? Nah - it only had $22,000 worth of coins in the box. (sic) I have spent hours on the phone with the contacts I still know, and nobody can tell me anything. Thankfully, I had it insured, but that doesn't always guarantee both myself and the third-party insurance carrier will see eye-to-eye on the value. I must admit the USPS that I worked for is not the same today. People just don't give a rats. And I really pity the consumers that are having these problem today. My suggestions? #1. Always file online a complaint. #2. Go up the food chain - Each facility is represented by a District Consumer Affairs Office. Get their number from your local PO and call them. #3. Write your Congress person. Hold everyone accountable or at least make a record of it. I wish you luck!
lakefor94
·1 year agoCurious if your two shipments were shipped days ago, a week ago, 2 weeks ago?
Probably make a difference in advice provided, if needed.
It is that time of year. I was wondering when these USPS shipping challenged threads would start.
yuzuha
·1 year agoThere's a good chance that it's not stuck but is in fact on its way-- packages don't always get departure scans from sort facilities, but that doesn't mean they're still at the facility. It's not uncommon for a package to go a few days between scans if it's traveling for a long distance.
worldcoinauctions
·1 year agoOpen a search on the stuck one through the USPS website. That often shakes them loose.
The one never scanned, well it may still be on the way and get its first scan at the destination PO. If the timeframe is wrong for that I'd just stop by the PO and mention it to the postmaster.
az93
·1 year agoI am not quick to refund. I try to wait as long as possible. I had one recently. Buyer wantrd a refund. It finally arrived late as I saw on ebay. No word from buyer, though. If you have a tracking number uploaded you can relax.
heckofagame
·1 year agoConsidering the volume that the USPS handles every year, they do a good job. We have entered the holiday season, which coincides with the winter weather season. There will be hiccups. Just roll with it and keep selling.