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.

[cardsforauction]

I have not seen that one before.  Glad it turned out ok. 

[cardsforauction]

Unusual indeed.  If the package was a high dollar amount, let's say $200, for sure I would contact the buyer and USPS within two weeks if it got stuck like that.  $5 item, not so much.

[dy60609]

Tracking           is          not        required        by      ebay       when    selling      or      shipping     a     $2    purchase

Sellers       are       not     penalized    by    ebay     for       no      tracking   on    a     $2    purchase

[dbfolks166mt]

     A small correction to your timeline and there is recourse. Following are the timelines for filing a claim with USPS. If you are talking about USPS ground advantage this falls under the category of priority mail and other insured mail. 

     I am not sure who you have spoken to or what other actions you have taken with USPS but you can always call the USPS Claims Center is St. Louis, MO. Their number is 1-866-974-2733 

[a_happyhoarder]

kensgiftshop

I'm VERY confused!

I had a buyer recently contact me that their package had never arrived. (It was shipped to the Bermuda Triangle AKA Glendale Heights, IL)

I checked the tracking and tracking confirmed that I had shipped it, but it was lost somewhere along the way.

It was too soon to file a "Find Missing Mail" on the USPS website.

I ended up speaking with eBay Customer Service and I was told that because I had proof that I had shipped the package, that it was no longer my responsibility.

If the package is insured, you can file a claim on the USPS website and the payment sent to the buyer.

I tracked the package daily and I kept in touch with the buyer. Finally, the package arrived about a month after I shipped it. 

If there is a problem, I work with my buyer and try to resolve it...except for couple of buyers who abused the Return Request. But that's another topic!