Mailing items using Post Office kiosk

[michaelstoysandgames]

I reluctantly used the post office kiosk on a holiday to expedite shipping to a customer. The receipt did not have tracking numbers and I instantly knew I was screwed but I was hoping for a honest buyer. Guess what? The buyer said he never received the item. I will never ship any item without tracking. Lesson learned about trusting buyers.

[nobody*s_perfect]

I'm surprised to hear that the receipt didn't have a tracking number. Did you choose First Class letter or flat (AKA Large envelope) as the service?

[dirk12955]

Why not print the label from your EBAY sales account?

Tracking recorded automatically, and then just drop it off at the PO.

[johnrj1226]

There is more to this post.  If you  paid for a service  that had tracking included the tracking number  would print on your receipt

1.  What shipping service is shown on your receipt?

2.  What amount did you pay?

PS:  our PO does not have a kiosk just  up to 4 counter people

[michaelstoysandgames]

Hi, I didn’t realize there was not tracking for item until I got home. The post office receipt is marked first class mail large envelope. I mailed 3 items the same time and tracking was provided for 2 items.

[michaelstoysandgames]

I don’t own a computer or printer. I buy and sell on eBay as a hobby.

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@michaelstoysandgames wrote: .... The post office receipt is marked first class mail large envelope.....

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"Large envelope" (formally known as a "flat") doesn't include tracking. Your buyer might have noticed your choice, and taken advantage of it.

[flyinhawaiiangirl]

I found a cheap hp deskjet 3630 print/scan/copy for $40 that's blue tooth to my laptop and phone. Worth every penny when I get my allotted one per month sale.

[johnrj1226]

@michaelstoysandgames 

All your current listings with a  $4.70 S & H fee indicate shipping via First Class Package which includes  tracking.  It appears you selected the wrong shipping service  for this one item w/o tracking.  Your other items with a S & H of $8 or more indicate shipping via Priority Mail service.

You may want to consider investing in a "wireless printer"  for around $50 or less.   We have an HP3755 and it works just fine and a nice fit for the "hobby" seller and other uses.  Plus it will pay for it  self in a short time as you will receive a commercial rate discount on the label cost  vs paying full retail at the PO counter.

[kim_y_buran]

I don't believe it. 

A. The tracking number is always on the standard PO receipt.

B.  If you knew it right away, why did not you take a picture of the label, which most definitely has a tracking number on it?

C.  Why do you pay at the PO in the first place?  You like to spend time in lines and pay more for the privilege?

[stumblebumble]

There is one possible option to try. This is a long shot but worth a phone call.  Find the post office that delvers to that address and call the Postmaster at that post office.  If that buyer is signed up to receive notifications of incoming mail to their mailbox on a daily basis, the post office could possible check to see if that mail piece was scanned even though it did not have a tracking number.   I receive a message daily from USPS with a scan of each piece of mail that is being delivered that day to my mail box even though the flats do not have a bar code.  I can see a photo scan of every piece of mail that I could expect that day.  This is worth a try but is not a guarantee.    Send me a private message and I will give you additional guidance.     Go to USPS website to see which post office is closest to that address and start there.  The Postmaster will tell you if that location is an address that they are responsible to deliver to.  Give a description of the envelope and approximate size and color.   Just be professional, ask for help and don't be demanding.  The Post Office people don't bite, honestly.  We have had great crews at our local Post Office.  They even know me by name when I open the door at our location.  

[michaelstoysandgames]

Thank you for the information. I am actually looking for a wireless printer now. I guess I’m from a totally different generation where honesty and integrity were once a virtue. I accept the loss as a learning experience.

Best regards,

Michael Brown 

[michaelstoysandgames]

I do have a picture of the receipt and the actual addressed item. I only used the kiosk because the post office was closed for a holiday. 

[kim_y_buran]

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@michaelstoysandgames wrote:

I do have a picture of the receipt and the actual addressed item. I only used the kiosk because the post office was closed for a holiday. 

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Then, if you shipped it with a method that includes tracking, the number should be on the receipt and on the label.  You can post a photo of the receipt here and if there is tracking on it we'll find for you.

PS. Brother printers are inexpensive and very reliable, just make sure you get one that supports your particular phone/tablet.  

[michaelstoysandgames]

Hi, This is just a hobby for me. I purchase more items on eBay than I sell. It is sad that one day I might need a actual photograph of the item being handed to the buyer to protect myself.