Problem with lost mail, what to do?

[marisolmckee]

I had a recent problem with the delivery of one of my ACEO prints. I had mailed it out on May 25th using regular first class mail. The buyer never received it. They contacted me wanting another one. This time to make sure that it was delivered I mailed it in a bubble mailer and added delivery confirmation. This made it a lot more expensive (since the original only sold for $1.25 with free shipping). But they were a repeat customer, so I figured I would go ahead and bite the bullet on the shipping cost. My question is has anyone else had this problem? And what if this happens again, what should I do? Thanks to all for answering. Marisol

[marisolmckee]

Thanks to all who took the time to respond to my question. Looks like everyone has to deal with the USPS’s negligence. Marisol

[formwithfunction]

Now, every time I print a label with the address, (unless it's a PayPal label with bar code), I tape over it with clear packing tape. Yes, that's probably a good idea. The postal carrier told me he does the same thing. It might be that if an edge gets caught in the machinery, the label will be ripped off the package. If you don't tape over the labels, you might want to make sure the edges of the labels are secure. I also read that items shifting around the envelope may cause problems in the machinery. So I also tape the contents to the inside of the envelope. So much for reducing waste. -- ~ Charlie imagesbycharlie

[poozybear]

I also read that items shifting around the envelope may cause problems in the machinery. So I also tape the contents to the inside of the envelope That's a REALLY smart thing to do. I've received a few ACEOs that were in hard plastic toploaders, but loose in the envelope, and they did shift and cause a tear in the envelope. There are a few people who I collect from, who use the hard plastic toploaders inside a note card, but tape the toploader in place, and those always arrive safely. I always try to make sure that my ACEOs are between cardboard or secured in some manner that they won't slide around. My feeling is, when you package an ACEO, shake the envelope around a little before you mail it. If you can hear anything sliding around inside, then it's not packaged well enough. Charlie, it's so true about the slightest thing getting caught in the machinery. I have a friend who sends me collectible stickers from his radio station, and he always paper clips them to a piece of note paper, and the paper clip ALWAYS gets caught in the machinery. The machines they use these days will only accept a perfectly flat, evenly proportioned piece of mail. -- Kathy

[poozybear]

Probably the weirdest one I ever got was an envelope returned and stamped "Undeliverable - no mail receptacle." I emailed the buyer, and he said, yeah, he DID have a mail box. I re-shipped the item and sent the original envelope to the guy, so he could hash it out with his mail carrier. I took a photo of the envelope before I sent it back to him. I'll have to try and find it. I've never before had an item returned with the claim that there was a "missing mailbox." It sure came as a shock to the buyer. -- Kathy

[formwithfunction]

The machines they use these days will only accept a perfectly flat, evenly proportioned piece of mail. Yes, that's right. And then there's the flex factor. I think the mail needs to navigate turns along the way. That's why we pay extra for rigid mail. -- ~ Charlie imagesbycharlie

[formwithfunction]

"Undeliverable - no mail receptacle." That one is difficult to justify. -- ~ Charlie imagesbycharlie

[poozybear]

I saw this is in this morning's paper, and it made me think of Charlie's vanishing photos. Postman Sentenced for stealing from cards SACRAMENTO - A Northern California postal worker has been sentenced to five months in federal prison for stealing money from children's birthday cards. Twenty-nine-year-old Dean Hudson of East Linda was ordered to serve an additional five months of home detention after his release from prison. He also must pay $3,000 in restitution. Hudson pleaded guilty in May to opening mail at the U.S. Postal Service facility in Olivehurst and taking money that was included in children's birthday cards. Postal Service inspectors began an investigation after residents in Chico reported receiving mail that had been opened or had missing items. So lesson learned here, if you smell a rat, report it. If those people hadn't reported it, that guy would have gotten away with it indefinitely. -- Kathy

[mreas]

People are sending missing rats in the mail?

[poozybear]

If the rat were missing, you wouldn't smell it, now would you? -- Kathy

[mreas]

I smell a rat.

[formwithfunction]

Here's the piece that was stolen.
It was one of my finer pieces. Whoever done it really knows art. -- ~ Charlie imagesbycharlie

[formwithfunction]

In case you might be wondering, I'm was just kidding. :-D -- ~ Charlie imagesbycharlie

[drawdog5]

Excellent Photoshop job, Charlie! It looks like some kind of prehistoric pre-mammal. -- -Ann "Now, go away, or I shall taunt you a second time."

[sandrinesgallery]

Really cute Charlie!! In 3 years, one original ACEO I sent was shredded to pieces (packed in a penny sleeve, in a rigid top loader, between cardboard, in a tight bubble envelope!). Luckily it was insured so my client got the money back from the post office and I sent her a print. The second instance happened recently. Another original, not insured but DC. It still shows "in transit" after about three months!!! I redrew it for my super nice and patient buyer. The problem with DC is that they scan the package if they feel like it. I think they only HAVE to scan it when they receive it and when it arrives, but not necessarily along the way. So you can't always track its course. The manager at my postal office told me there's no way for him to find out where it is until he has the package in his hands. That was a bright remark!!!! As a buyer once I never received an item. The seller never did anything to replace my $6 purchase. Bummer! -- Sandrine

[formwithfunction]

It looks like some kind of prehistoric pre-mammal. Ann, LOL! It might be the missing link for rodents. -- ~ Charlie imagesbycharlie -- Edited by imagesbycharlie at 07/21/2009 11:18 PM PDT