Shipping To Prison Library

[expresswaysales]

A dropshipper purchased an item from me yesterday and the address they provided is a prison library. 

I've heard of issues with sending items to inmates, but the address  seems to be the prison itself and not a specific inmate.  Is there anything I need to be aware of?  The item is an expensive typewriter and I would really hate to lose it.  You would think there would be some kind of regulations or whatever about sending a giant box from FedEx into a prison.  Any advice would be truly appreciated.

[tapi-szem]

The prisoner's "name" is often a set of numbers.

You could always call the prison to ask for advice (it could be someone working there who ordered it), or Google the prison to see what their policies are, or just cancel the transaction as problem with buyer's address.

[onlinecentral]

I had one package for an inmate that was sent back to me.
A rooftop TV antenna part for $7.50 dollars.
It arrived back here marked Return To Sender.
There was a long checklist of prohibited items included in the return.
The only merchandise inmates can receive is blank paper, envelopes and stamps with quantity restrictions.
I sent a refund minus the original postage and never got a message from the buyer.
I have sent several packages to the staff with no problems.
Especially serial and parallel port items for computers in this USB era.
Landline business telephone accessories also.
Maybe the inmates need to type documents to submit to the courts for their appeals.
As a seller, I would be comfortable sending the package, based upon my past experience.

[terrycece62]

I would suggest contacting the prison and speaking with someone regarding their policies and verify package would be accepted and recipient would be allowed 2 receive it explain the situation
could be a staff is getting something shipped 2 his/her workplace but u want 2 be sure either way.

[sin-n-dex]

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@tapi-szem wrote:

The prisoner's "name" is often a set of numbers.

You could always call the prison to ask for advice (it could be someone working there who ordered it), or Google the prison to see what their policies are, or just cancel the transaction as problem with buyer's address.

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It's the inmate name and inmate ID number.

But I'm with the other posters that contacting the prison is the best course of action. If this doesn't work out, it can always be cancelled as problem with buyer's address.

C.

[muttlymob]

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@expresswaysales wrote:

A dropshipper purchased an item from me yesterday and the address they provided is a prison library. 

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A dropshipper?  purchased from you? 

Have you considered asking your buyer whether he/she can receive the item?  Before trying to find someone at the prison who could even answer your questions, you really should start with the buyer.  Might be a whole lot easier.

[dirk12955]

Why not simply ebay message the buyer and open a discussion?    

[candd205]

The irony... I just read an article just now, I swear, about the man convicted of kidnapping 11 year old Shawn Hornbeck and keeping him for 4 years many years ago. The article said that he was stabbed while in prison using a sharpened typewriter part.

[toysaver]

I don't know how smart it would be to email the buyer, there is a reason he or she is in prison and lying is frequently part of the criminal mind.  Do you  think you would get an honest answer?  

[terrycece62]

I stand by my first post call the prison they have 2 approve all incoming packages
If buyer was a prisoner the prison authorities WILL open the package because prisoners only receive certain items.
Good luck
an expensive typewriter does not sound like it would be an item that would be approved but that may be just me
Call prison 2 make sure

[soh.maryl]

How were you paid?