albertabrightalberta
mam98031 • Volunteer Community Member • Buyer/Seller since 1999
Ah tis the season. Where was the item going, what does the last scan show? There have been some major weather related issues is some parts of the country but for priority mail not to move for 10 days is a bit excessive. If the tracking in USPS tracking, not the eBay link, shows it was received at xx on 12/2 and has not moved since I would file an insurance claim for a lost package. This will cause USPS to first initiate a search for the missing package and either let you know it was found, in which case you generally see the tracking update, or that they were unable to locate the package and will issue you a refund for the value of the item including the shipping cost.
Following is the timeline for opening claims with USPS depending on the class of shipping the item was sent with.
@bodabird wrote:I sold an item (#325691467712) and shipped it on 11/27 via priority mail. The buyer gave me positive feedback and said it was as described. I was contacted today by the buyer and they were wondering if I could check on the shipping as it has not updated in the tracking since 12/2. The tracking doesn't show much. I know USPS is sometimes late on updating their info. What would you do/how should I proceed. Help!
I'd email the buyer and ask if she's confusing you with another seller since she left "as described' feedback.
Anytime there is an issue with the tracking via USPS on a package there are some steps you should take right away.
First go to the USPS website and call up the tracking number and review all the entries.
Second sign up for email notifications to any changes to the tracking. Click on the down arrow to the right of "Text & Email Updates". Fill in the info.
This serves to give you up to date info on the movements of the package. It can be real handy if you end up closing the INR out and refunding the buyer because the item really was lost. Then if the item gets delivered at a later date, you will be notified. You can then contact the buyer and let them know you are aware that the item has finally been delivered. Politely and professionally ask them if they want to repay you for the item and keep it or if they would prefer to return it to you.
If you don't hear anything from the buyer, there really isn't much you can do about pushing this, but you can notify Ebay and see if you can get Ebay to cover it. Depending on the situation, they may refund you.
Now you need to go and file for a TRACE on the package.
https://usps.my.site.com/emailus/s/
Just fill in the info they ask you. You will need the buyers address, so make sure you have that info ready when you go to fill in the info.
Make a note of the Tracking claim number as it could be handy later.
Contact your buyer and let them know that you have filed for a Trace on the package and you will keep them fully informed with any information you get from USPS. Let them know it takes 48-72 hours for them to respond.
If there is an open INR, ALL you communications with the buyer should be done inside the claim. Even if the buyer emails you in regular Ebay emails, respond in the claim.
There is no reason this should be getting refunded anytime in the next few days. Ebay will keep an INR minimally if there is movement / tracking entry within the last 7 days.
It may have been just an innocent error on the buyer's part. I have had buyers leave FB the next day after purchase saying everything is great.
