Item not received case

[retrogames10000]

How do you handle these types of cases?

I have received my first case today - updated the tracking that shows delivered, contacted the buyer to give the mail system a few more days.  

What more do professional sellers do?  Should I contact the USPS and ask questions?  Should I refund and figure it out later?  Should I eat this type of transaction and open cases with USPS always?

I have recently begun offering completely free returns for any reason because I am learning that I must eat some things that taste bad too

[klhmdg]

Once the item shows delivered by USPS you are good.

You do not have to refund because the item is delivered.

USPS will not pay any insurance. Delivered is delivered.

The buyer should contact the PO and have them track down where it was delivered.

USPS may have left it at the wrong place.

[saylesville2003]

If you used USPS for shipping, USPS uses GPS technology so that it can be determine where the package was actually delivered.  You can explain that to the buyer and suggest she/he check with their local post office with the USPS tracking number to have the PO check into delivery. The buyer can also file a missing package claim online with the USPS using the tracking number.

If you entered the USPS tracking number on the INR you should be all set as far as being covered.

[inhawaii]

I don't know what professional sellers do, but this is what I do. ;-

I immediately respond to the case. I add the tracking number that shows the item was delivered. Then sit back and wait. The case usually closes in a few days in your favor.

Ooops @klhmdg 

I meant to respond to the OP.

[yuzuha]

Update the tracking and then do nothing because it's a slam-dunk win in your favor.

If you want, you can send the buyer a message along the lines of:

"Dear customer,

According to the USPS tracking, your item was delivered at [time] on [date]. Check with your family and neighbors to make sure that someone did not pick it up without telling you; if that does not turn it up, you can speak with your mail carrier or local post office and ask them to confirm the delivery location, as they have GPS coordinates in their scanners that record exactly where a package is delivered."

Sometimes it really is just a case of a family member bringing a package inside and forgetting to tell someone about it.

[lunarlullababies]

You don't worry about it and don't put much energy into it. Your job is done. 

[m60driver]

If a seller's parcel carrier loses a package then the buyer can ask and receive a refund.  If a buyer can show that the seller's carrier misdelivered a package to the wrong address then they can do the same thing.   There really isn't much difference between these two scenarios other than the buyer having to make some additional inquiries.

[brightlightbookseller]

That's a great message!  Doesn't accuse anyone, but puts the ball squarely in the buyer's court to locate the item.