USPS Not Marking As Delivered, how to handle?

[overstockdistribution]

Debating how to handle when USPS marks packages as out for delivery but does not mark as delivered. 

This allows buyers to claim item not received. In low value cases, it makes sense to just refund it as a cost of doing business, but the problem is when it's higher value. USPS does not consider Ground Advance packages as lost for 45+ days, which is far beyond the timeframe a buyer can open a missing item case and then ask eBay to step in. 

What happens if that happens? Does eBay actually stand by the seller since it was marked as shipped and USPS requires 45+ days before they consider it lost? My guess is no and maybe around 30 days is where eBay would simply refund the buyer out of seller's funds as it's a long time to wait.

Sadly I'm not holding out hope that USPS magically finds the package and delivers it, as I recall in the past USPS's response was simply that a package was delivered even though it wasn't marked as delivered and they refuse to make USPS.com show as delivered. 

I'm thinking the answer is along the lines of: "If USPS did not mark it as delivered, you must refund." In reality that should mean: "If USPS did not mark it as delivered, USPS must pay out lost package insurance claim." Sadly it doesn't work that way and there's no recourse against USPS. It's hard to keep up with policy changes, so what I'm really hoping is someone says I'm covered under some sort of eBay seller protection (or eBay Top Rated Seller protection) where they cover the loss based on me clearly shipping the purchase.

[robbie31415]

I'm sorry i didn't see where it was sent to.

That actually makes a difference in the advice i would give.

Specifically curious if it's to Miami/Doral FL area.

[hardrhymer76]

I've been selling since 2009, and the two times this has happened to me I solved it by calling (not emailing) the local PO for the buyer's location. Have the tracking number ready and if it was truly delivered they should be able to update the status to reflect that. Good luck.

[tobaccocardyahoo]

Your requirement to refund is on the schedule set by Ebay and the Ebay MBG claim process.

Your insurance reimbursement is independent of the buyer and when the buyer is refunded.

This creates a risk for sellers on some lost package transaction where the package may appear. That risk is not imaginary, and unavoidable.

USPS has some additional information which they may use to locate some missing shipments. You should open a case on the missing package as soon as you can. These inquiries are handled by the destination PO.

[kensgiftshop]

Sorry, there is no protection for just shipping an order.

To be protected, tracking has to show it was delivered.

[cardsforauction]

Yes, that's what I did a few years ago, I called USPS.  The hold time unfortunately is very long, one time I waited an hour to get a person on the phone.  First, I would email the buyer and ask "What day did you get the package?"  Some buyers will tell you they got the item and the day.  If you can confirm this with the buyer then all you have to do is call USPS and tell them when the buyer received the item and that you got an email from the buyer confirming they received the package and the day they got it.  If the buyer won't respond, I would call USPS and ask them if the package was delivered and that it is still showing "out for delivery".  The item possibly, could still be out for delivery or they will check if it was delivered.  It's possible you may be asked to fill out the online form to create a case or the person on the phone may create a case for you.

[buyselljack2016]

First, I would email the buyer and ask "What day did you get the package?"

----------------------------------------------------

Poking the bear is sometimes not a good solution.

[12345jamesstamps]

Using USPS and I do mail a lot of items without tracking...after a few years I haven't lost anything.

I don't think packages get lost...there are porch pirates, buyers who received items but items are not scanned as 'delivered', dishonest neighbors in your building or package simply was not 'scanned as delivered'. 

I don't think it's the USPS to blame but rather how eBay does their refunds.

Even when eBay wants everything with tracking nowadays and you do that it's not a safeguard...and eBay penalizes the seller who has no tracking on a 2 buck purchase.

There should be things in place such as how many packages a buyer can claim lost even 6 months.

And there should be customer service where you can talk to someone in the USA in a few minutes.

I am sorry but USPS was born before eBay and not the other way around.

[cardsforauction]

Don't refund anything right now. When did it show "Out for delivery" ?  How long has it been stuck in that status?  If it is eBay Standard envelope item it may never show delivered, but don't worry the buyer got the item, maybe 1 in 300 did not get the envelope, but the others did.   I've had over hundred envelopes from different sellers delivered to me and every one showed up. 

Packages, you should first email the buyer and find out if they received it.  If the buyer confirms receipt, then call USPS and tell them the buyer got the item and provide the email, if needed.  If you fill out the form online or call USPS a case will be created and those usually get resolved.  

[dy60609]

.and eBay penalizes the seller who has no tracking on a 2 buck purchase.

[cardsforauction]

Depends how many days went by.  If the tracking shows "Out for delivery" for 6 days, there is no problem asking the buyer this question.  Regardless of the answer from the buyer, I would call USPS and give them confirmation or inquire about this "Out for Delivery"status   If your not comfortable about asking this question to the buyer, because you will poke the bear, then just go straight to calling USPS.

[12345jamesstamps]

We don't know what you might be trying to say🤬

[krazzykats]

I'll repeat so they hear it this time.

Let sleeping dogs lie.

[12345jamesstamps]

This got delivered but not delivered...just happens to be an honest buyer.

LOL...this is still open..."in transit to Next Facility".

I have quite a few that never got scanned as 'delivered'.

Buyer has made more purchases from me.

I never ask a buyer if item is received...buyer, if dishonest will say no if they check tracking and you get to give a refund.

[krazzykats]

I've encountered two instances recently where items were scanned as picked up, when I had just dropped them off.  This led to buyers panicking, thinking the items were already delivered. 

The pickup/delivery scan reflects the time I dropped off the packages, but the postal clerk updated the scan incorrectly to indicate pickup/delivery.

Fortunately, in both cases, the buyers were understanding and relieved when their items arrived, despite the incorrect scan.

This shipping label was created a little under two hours before the delivery pickup scan occurred.