USPS Drop-off Never Scanned, Buyer Threatening to Cancel

[dtha7437]

Whelp, looks like I'm about to lose an item about $480.

I Drop-off USPS Priority Mail Box front desk of USPS like any other package. Since this is a higher priced item, I also buy Signature Confirmation.

Of course, days later. Buyer asks when I'm going to ship the item....I shipped the item on Monday 7/10/2020. Still Never scanned. Looks like I never shipped the item....

Buyer doesn't believe me and believes tracking, I mean I can't blame him right? Am I honestly screwed? He also called me out that I never had the item, I proceeded to show him pictures of me holding the item before I shipped.

Because the USPS person never scanned my package, I am at risk of losing $480. He says he is going to cancel if it doesn't come by tomorrow. So this guy is going to run off with a free item, eBay goes by tracking so it looks like I never shipped and I'm gonna lose.

Anyway I can win? I'm a Top Rated Seller and this buyer is a new user and when he purchased had ZERO feedback, now has one positive. 

This buyer also expects regular delivery, does he not realize we are going through a PANDEMIC and everything is delayed?

[ekmadonna]

This is the PRECISE REASON why I stand in line and get a scan at the counter! Never had this problem and never will. Sorry to hear about your situation, maybe you should consider waiting in line from now on. Why gamble?

[golfingaddict]

First of all, the buyer is not just going to automatically win.

If you indeed handed it to a carrier or clerk at the post office, you know it is there.  

Second, the buyer would have to file a case for Item not received.  He can't do that until the estimated delivery time and then.. if it shows any recent movement, you can get ebay to give you 10 days  to  show it delivered.

 He can't just "cancel"  It's too late for that.  

If he files a case, be sure to respond with the tracking number, but don't do it instantly, I think you have a couple of days to respond,   I would not respond until Monday.. Just don't miss the deadline if he files.

He is bullying you.  Don't fall for it.  

[golfingaddict]

Every now and then weird things happen with scans.  No scan shows until it reaches the destination or is out for delivery.  You can also go here and file a missing mail claim  https://www.usps.com/help/missing-mail.htm

(missing mail search request)  

I don't think you have anything to worry about until at least monday, and you don't refund just on his word.  Give it some time to get in the system.

[kathieskorner]

This is the PRECISE REASON why I stand in line and get a scan at the counter! Never had this problem and never will.

Me, too.   While my post office is usually very good about scanning everything left on the counter - there are times that they are short staffed especially around a postal holiday.   I prefer not to take the chance even with a $10 item - no way would I gamble with a $480 item. 

[18704d]

As said above...

the USPS may Never scan this package.. Until Delivery.

I've sold here about 20 years now.

It's happened to me.

Drop it off, nothing.

Then.... on rare occasions.. it's scanned at the first, or 2nd 'hub' it's sent to..  Or

Not scanned at all.. for close to a week..

Until it's delivered.

Lynn

[gwzcomps]

You can always reverse the shipment if you are worried about it.

[picknparley]

Can you explain your date shipped again?  You said Monday 7/10/20. My calendar says Friday 7/10/20.

Go USPS website and enter the tracking number as a lost package.  The system will flag the package and it should show up shortly. 

[andrew547]

---

@dtha7437 wrote:

This buyer also expects regular delivery, does he not realize we are going through a PANDEMIC and everything is delayed?

---

I heard a rumor that only buyers are affected by the pandemic. I think that's why sellers have 5 days to send a return label and buyers have 54 days (depending on where "business days" fall relative to non-business days) to drop that return in the mail.

So I always print a scan form and have USPS scan it when I drop off.

Does your post office have a drop off counter? I think they allow people to drop off prepaid packages straight away. No need to stand in line. Next time you're there, maybe ask them if this is the case, and if not, how they can accommodate you. This is how my post office does it, and it makes their lives easier too. It's more efficient for everyone.

[herecometheplayas]

If you have signature confirmation, did they give you a receipt?

Priority shouldn't be taking this long, so definitely do the missing mail request. And don't just refund. If he tries to cancel, I think you will be able to say "I can't cancel this order" on the request. If he files INR, put in the tracking and if it still hasn't  shown up a couple of days before eBay can step in, contact eBay for an extension. He may be hoping to get a refund and then stop all communication once the item is delivered and you try to get paid for it again

[moondogblues]

USPS mail is totally messed up right now...I have had items delivered in 2 days and some that are still sitting out there in limbo land for weeks.  Hopefully your buyer will be patient.

[jack_bucks_ghost]

it annoys the person at the counter sometimes when they are busy (USPS version of busy--relatively slow by many businesses standards), but I get scan receipts for all of mailings now--had one not get scanned after giving it to my carrier, so I go to the counter and wait now.

[froggyjump]

I wouldn't worry over it. There are plenty of stops where it will be scanned.

He may be having second thoughts using this as an excuse. Respond to him just once then stop. The tracking will talk for itself.

[froggyjump]

Actually if you truly want to cover yourself, cut and paste this below

"Just wanted to follow up. Ebay doesn't guarantee, for obvious reasons, initial scans. Post office gets busy, computers malfunction, etc. but we know tracking is scanned at various phases in the mailing process. Also know I am a Top Rated Seller as you know for a reason. This is an expensive item so I go far beyond the usual process which means packing in front of the postman and taking photos of this. THis is to cover myself and the buyer in case suddenly the item is not as described or broken. Then I take action upon contacting the buyers postmaster and post office to get to the bottom of it. Usually it's a mistake but once I did need to file a police report upon a fraudlulent buyer who actually stole money for an item as described. Also filed a mail fraud report. Much effort is taken to cover myself regarding  on expensive items for myself and my buyers. I take good care of my customers. Thanks for your note of concern but there is no reason for alarm. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!  Blessings, (insert name)"

These types of issues tend to have a high incidence of suddenly turning into item not as described so cover your basis now.

[dtha7437]

Oh my bad 7/6/2020. I shipped