I need some help, 5 packages no tracking, experienced sellers please

[siopa1287]

I’ve never posted here b4, I posted this in shipping & returns as well hope I’m doing this right... just need some advice.

Hello, I’m really hoping someone can shed some light on this situation. On Tuesday I dropped off 2 packages at my local USPS office. We are a very small town, and I know the clerk (only one works there) she was busy  getting ready to close up for the day, so I set the packages on her side of the counter then left after telling her they were there. I brought 4 more packages on Wednesday, and same situation. She was busy, told her they were there, and left.

It’s now Saturday night and there is absolutely no information under the tracking numbers for 5 out of the 6 packages! They don’t even say they were excepted by USPS.  The 1 that does have tracking information says it’s been delivered already.

I have called USPS and opened a case, haven’t heard anything back yet. I went back to the local post office to see if they were still there or something. She said she sent them off and she didn’t scan them in because she had already downloaded her scanner  for the day when I had brought them in!  I was very upset about this, and reported her when I opened the case. But it makes no sense because she obviously scanned one of the six in. she also told me it wasn’t a big deal that she didn’t scan them, because they will be scanned when they get to the main distribution center.  But obviously not because it’s been four days and still no scans and no tracking. 

 I guess I should mention that the five that are missing tracking information we’re all hand held vacuums,  and all had lithium battery stickers on them.  Every package was sent as priority 2 or 3 day mail. And all labels were purchased and printed off eBay. 

I am hoping any of you could tell me if  you’ve had similar situations like this? I’ve read a few forums where maybe one package didn’t have tracking information. But I found nothing on several packages two days back to back. Any information would be very much appreciated. 

 I have learned my lesson and will never not wait for a scan again! I am terrified that I will have to refund all the buyers and for all five transactions. I’ll be out a lot of money with no product as well.  Also, I will have the top rated seller badge for my next evaluation. But this will most definitely keep me from getting it I believe,  because this is five shipments with no scan.

 I also should mention, I haven’t spoke with the buyers about the packages yet. I didn’t want to alarm any of them if there’s no need too.

[ittybitnot]

If you have your tracking numbers you can look for yourself where the parcels are located.  You can use the "ebay" page or this one:  https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction_input

[siopa1287]

No, that’s my point. Each tracking number just says “shipping label created”. Then gives the date. There is no other information. It looks as though I just printed out a shipping label and never took them to the post office. But that is not the case.

[finerthings1212]

All I can say is the one time I dropped off a USPS package at a UPS store and didn’t get a scan & receipt, the package disappeared. But maybe yours will turn up, go to the usps website and get text alerts for the tracking numbers of your missing packages- they seem to reappear quickly when you do that.

[femmefan1946]

Because I ship from Canada where tracking is very very expensive (like $12 to ship a paperback domestically that would cost $3 to ship without) I rarely track anything. And most of my shipments are international. Still untracked.

I also drop my packages into the post box. Actually the only ones I do take to the PO are those that will be tracked.

It's not a problem.

Most people are honest.  The post office is very good at its job. The items you shipped on Tuesday may already be delivered.  Or they will be by next Friday.

Don't panic.

The only reason you really need tracking is in the rare instance a customer complains of non-delivery. Having Confirmation of Delivery wins those few cases for you.

Do you have many non-delivery claims? Do you have many claims at all?

What you DON'T do is contact your buyers unless they get in touch with you first.

[siopa1287]

Thank you, I’ve done that already as well. I’ve been stressing for days. 

[emerald1830]

I would go in on Monday and see what's going on...since you know the clerk, just bring in your tracking numbers..whether she's busy or not, you are a paying customer..

[finerthings1212]

I’ve been there, I hope it turns out ok for you. Fingers crossed!

[siopa1287]

Hi, thanks for your kind reply 😊 

No, I don’t have any non-delivery claims. I Have only had a few returns, and they’ve had nothing to do with my fault.

But, even if they have or will be delivered. I’ll still get a defect for them not being scanned in or shown as delivered right? And that could cause me my top rated status next month, right?

[parkersparrow]

For future always wait and get your packages scanned and get a receipt. That way you have proof.  Sometimes the packages don't end up getting scanned until delivered. Hopefully this is what will happen. The package that was scanned probably happen at another hub. Since priority is not really guaranteed, they actually are usually treated the same as first class. I wouldn't panic quit yet. As for reporting the postal clerk, they are not really required to scan your packages unless you ask them. 

[siopa1287]

Okay thanks, and good to know.

[femmefan1946]

Did you mark then Shipped when you got home? Or did you depend on the system?

I can't answer about Defects- I don't think you do, but you need the tracking if you hope at some point to become a TopRated Seller. Tracking is one of the criteria for US-based TRS,

Again, since I'm in Canada I can hold a Global TRS with the same benefits without ever using tracking. USPS rates for tracking are incredibly low.

[automotivepartsrecyclrs]

All packages go from the senders post office to the nearest sorting hub. Sometimes NO scans until it reaches the customers mailbox. Look at each one and see If it's across the USA from you. IF all are it will be OK. If any of them were in your state or region you might want to check with your post office again.

Never just drop and go unless you don't care about Ebays defect program. 

Do some research at your post office by dropping packages at different times during the day to find the slow days.

If you packing the night before have them picked up at your location. MOST route drivers are required to scan all packages. 

Use a scan sheet each time.

Ebay is the only company who requires this scan. In 2 years of using the scan sheet on ebay and NOT using on the BIG A site we have .0021 on ebay and 000.00000% on the other BIG A site. Would be 0 on ebay but 2 packagaes were claimed to be late by USPS which in no shape or form was caused by us.

[siopa1287]

I never mark them shipped, because I purchase and print them all from eBay. All 5 of them say, “the seller has marked the item as shipped...” and each have a tracking number. 

I sure hope they have just some how never  got scanned. And they are all being delivered.

One of them was only going one state over. And should’ve been there the next day. When I called the post office to Open the case. The representative told me that they most definitely would get scanned when they are delivered.

This is why I am so nervous, I hope they’re not all lost. I just don’t see how five packages could not be scanned at all in four days. 

[siopa1287]

One package was just going a state over. I’ve learned my lesson. I NEVER not get a scan again. Thanks for the info