Missing Mail Search vs Help Request Form regarding Mail Class

[iamalwaysright]

I'm about to file a Missing Mail Search. The package was sent Ground Advantage but the Help Request Form states it is First Class Mail which is incorrect.

So what service type do I choose when filing the Missing Mail Search, Ground Advantage or First Class? I wouldn't want any discrepancy to cause any further delay in USPS' part.

[mam98031]

I prefer filing a Trace.  For me, it is not very often that I get a response on a Missing Mail report, but I do when I file a Trace.  IDK why, the Missing mail is suppose to be of higher importance, but it is my experience that it is not as fruitful.

https://usps.my.site.com/emailus/s/package-inquiry

[iamalwaysright]

I tried that already. The screenshot in my OP is the result of that Trace. Or are you talking about going thru and filing a domestic claim? https://onlineclaims.usps.com/OICWeb/?_gl=1*1t1riwq*_ga*MTM4NjMwNTE5My4xNzM0MTEyODI0*_ga_QM3XHZ2B95*.....

[adamcartwright]

@iamalwaysright 

This is the same result I always get with a Trace.

It's informational only, unless I'm doing something wrong?

[mam98031]

IDK if that link is the same as the one I gave you.  It presents differently.  So I'm unsure.

[mam98031]

IDK, maybe I'm just lucky.  I filed a trace on a package last Thursday and on Friday I had a phone call from USPS.  Now that is faster than is normal, but I still get better action with Traces.  Just my experience.

[mam98031]

Where is the package coming from and going to?

[iamalwaysright]

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@mam98031 wrote:

Where is the package coming from and going to?

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Calif to Florida. It's been stuck on "arriving late" since 2/28 in SC facility.

[selsa84]

Missing mail case is useless now. All that happens is the destination p.o. will sometimes call you to say they don't have it there yet and then close the case. 

[selsa84]

Currently have 7 packages there that were mailed in mid February. I file claims asap so that I can get the check from USPS and hope it still gets delivered before I refund. I make em pay for Dejoys "delivering for America" plan. I'm at 23 claims so far this year. I'm sure it's about to get much worse with everything that's fixing to happen at the USPS. 

[m*and*l*sales]

I had that happen a few months ago, but I reopened the case and copied my original message, which included the details of the tracking to that point.  I already knew it hadn't arrived in the destination Post Office.  I asked that the Post Office Of Last Known Tracking be contacted for a search, instead. 

Package was found and sent on its merry way.

Very late, but it was a personal package not a business package, and it was aggravating but not the end of the world.

[iamalwaysright]

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@selsa84 wrote:

Currently have 7 packages there that were mailed in mid February. I file claims asap so that I can get the check from USPS and hope it still gets delivered before I refund. I make em pay for Dejoys "delivering for America" plan. I'm at 23 claims so far this year. I'm sure it's about to get much worse with everything that's fixing to happen at the USPS. 

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How many of your claims get rejected? Also how long does USPS typically take to pay you out on the claim, is there a timeframe that when it passes with no acceptance that you just lose hope on the the claim?

UPDATE: unfortunately this morning the buyer decided to open up an INR. I wonder if it’s because I replied to them yesterday saying I filed the insurance claim and it’ll take a few days. Maybe I shoulda waited a day or so to message them to drag it on a bit more. Oh well, clock’s a ticking now. I’ll also see if I can persuade eBay to put a hold on this for additional days, it’s iffy because there hasn’t been any real recent scan update other than “arriving late”.

[dhbookds]

When I see package held up........I write the buyer and apologize, say that I have put an inquiry in but unfortunately,  we both have to be patient.....and be assured you will either get the item or a refund........  Have had 2 recently.........both thanked me for the update and both left positive feedback......... No case opened. 

Note:  I know some will so why should I apologize.....not my fault.  Agree that it's not my fault, but it soothes the buyer anger.........so it's in MY self interest.......

[mamacassidy]

@iamalwaysright 

Within the past month I filed 3 claims. Two of them were approved and 1 was denied.

Of the 2 that were approved, I had already opened a missing mail search a week prior, so basically USPS knew that they had been unable to track them down. The claims were approved within 2 days (you can look at the status on your USPS online account) and I received the checks about a week later.

The one that was not approved had only been scanned at one processing plant, so it wasn't 'lost in the system', but was just sitting there. So when I filed the claim, it magically got another scan and movement within 24 hours. It was then delivered a couple of days later. The status on my account was updated to denied, and I received a letter in the mail about 2 weeks later stating that it had been delivered.

On a side note, I never tell the buyer I opened a claim. I just say that I've spoken with the clerk at the post office and they're trying to track it down, and if I don't hear back in a few days, I'll refund them. That will usually buy me few days. Also, once they know that I'm willing to refund them, they are less likely to just jump to the next level (INR).

[mam98031]

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@dhbookds wrote:

When I see package held up........I write the buyer and apologize, say that I have put an inquiry in but unfortunately,  we both have to be patient.....and be assured you will either get the item or a refund........  Have had 2 recently.........both thanked me for the update and both left positive feedback......... No case opened. 

Note:  I know some will so why should I apologize.....not my fault.  Agree that it's not my fault, but it soothes the buyer anger.........so it's in MY self interest.......

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IMHO that is inviting problems.  If I notice there is a slow down in a package I've sent.  I work it, but I do not notify the buyer unless we have already communicated about the issue.  I don't put it on their radar unless they are aware of the issue.  Still I work it and hopefully get it resolved before the buyer even knows there is an issue.

This is what I usually advise to sellers that have a delivery issue.

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If a buyer contacts you with a delivery issue or if the buyer opens an INR, IMHO these are the steps to take.

If an INR was opened, make sure you upload the tracking number to the INR right away.

Go to USPS website and review the detail tracking info.

On this tracking screen there is a place to file for email updates as there is movement on the tracking. Sign up for that so you get informed right away when something gets entered to the tracking.

Go and file for a TRACE, I don't recommend filing for Missing Mail just yet. The two are completely different actions. The Trace usually gets the job done quicker.
https://usps.my.site.com/emailus/s/package-inquiry

Contact your buyer. Keep all contact inside the INR filed so everything is recorded on the claim. Let your buyer know you are working with USPS to get their package delivered. Apologize for the delay. And let them know you filed a trace which takes between 48-72 hours for USPS to respond. As you get any information you will update the buyer right away. Assure your buyer that you are working this problem and will continue to do so until a proper resolution.

If there is movement on the tracking within the last 7 days, Ebay will keep the INR open. Do not voluntarily issue the refund yet. It is highly likely the package is going to get delivered, it is just late. Annoying for the buyer for sure. Just stay in touch with them and assure them you are working on a resolution.