Who is responsible?

[pats667]

I shipped a small used music instrument value about $400 via USPS Priority. It was schedule for delivery in 3 days. The item was lost in USPS system for 29 days and suddenly reappeared in the tracking system and was delivered the same day (incredibly strange because it was missing many location scans). I informed my buyer and they told me they had actually not received any package. They were not home at the time but when they checked there was nothing at the door. Who is responsible? I had ShipCover insurance but this looks more like a theft or USPS incompetence. Any advice is appreciated. 

[comics-scifi-collectibles · Accepted solution]

@pats667   Insurance for lost items will not pay if the tracking shows delivery.   

The buyer is covered by the eBay Money Back Guarantee.   The insurance is for the seller.  

If the insurance won't pay then the only thing you can do is write this off as a loss on next years taxes.  

[pats667]

I see. Well, hopefully the item turns up. In the future, I will avoid USPS services and have everything that I send out over $100 in value require signature for delivery. Thanks for your information. 

[comics-scifi-collectibles]

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@pats667 wrote:

I see. Well, hopefully the item turns up. In the future, I will avoid USPS services and have everything that I send out over $100 in value require signature for delivery. Thanks for your information. 

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If you chose to use a different service I would recommend UPS and buy the label from Pirateship.com as they help with insurance claims.       Avoid Fed Ex on eBay as they are really bad about adding surcharges and billing you later.  Also Fed Ex ground economy is a highbred service of Fed Ex and USPS on delivery and you can't add insurance.  

I would not require a signature on delivery as some buyers are not home to sign.

If you do choose to add signature on delivery be sure to put  a notice about it on your listing AND message the buyer before you ship to make them aware of the requirement.