USPS delivered an empty damaged package with note

[gratitude2022]

USPS delivered a damaged empty box and said sorry for the inconvenience...What can I do? I have to refund customer but what steps do I take?

[ed8108]

Provide USPS with a detailed description of the lost/ missing contents in the hope that the item may be found, & returned to you.

[frugalmarketplace]

If it was insured, or shipped in a priority package file a claim with the USPS

[sextons-sweet-deals]

I have doubt about that.

did the buyer send you photos of the package or just sent you a message? The package should have had some special USPS tape on it if damaged. 

question them and also entertain reviewing their full feedback profile. 

If they did not open a case, that could be another red flag. 

[frugalmarketplace]

Of course ask for pictures. 

[inhawaii]

Apologize and refund the customer immediately.

As the seller/shipper it's your job to deal with the USPS.

If the item was not insured, take the loss.

If the item was insured, start a claim.

Good luck!

[miyasamaco]

Is your buyer claiming this? If a package is delivered like that, it will usually be stamped "RECEIVED WITHOUT CONTENTS" and the sender notified by USPS. 

Ask for pictures from the buyer if this is what they are claiming. 

[ms.rodriguez*]

I got a package once with missing contents. The entire package was put inside a U.S. post office baggie that said "received opened".   Anyway,  to the seller, have the buyer send you a few photos.  Then you will need to refund.  IF you have insurance on the package,  ask the buyer to please hold onto the package and any note that was attached or tape. You will need their help for the claim.  You will have to refund them. You can not wait until (or if ) the post office refunds you.   

[richard1rst]

And separate from all the excellent suggestions above:

What kind of box was it? Review in your mind how you sealed it 'cause you don;t want it to happen again.

Was it a Post Office sleeve box? Did you rely on the self sealing end flaps? I can tell you from experience I have seen those start to open even before I get it to the post office. I put a long strip of 2" wide tape up one side, across the entire flap and down the other. Both ends.

Or whatever it was - think it through.

[ms.rodriguez*]

So true. Those yellow envelops also split easily. I put tape all around it so that if it does split, the contents are still inside.  The priority mail boxes can be opened too by pulling up on the endflap. (The videosize ones.)  Tape each end.   

[3lilyankeefans]

I received a label in a baggie a couple of weeks ago. Tracking shows “item has visible damage” but doesn’t say “item appears to have completely disappeared. 

it happens, don’t automatically assume the buyer is lying (directed at op).

[somegoodcents]

Yes it's actually a good thing that it came with  "sorry for the inconvenience' message, it's an admittance of fault and sometimes the USPS will actually find the missing item. Check with your local Post Office you have a good leg to stand on.  

[yuzuha]

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@somegoodcents wrote:

Yes it's actually a good thing that it came with  "sorry for the inconvenience' message, it's an admittance of fault and sometimes the USPS will actually find the missing item. Check with your local Post Office you have a good leg to stand on.  

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I actually did have them find the missing item in question once, so it is definitely worth following up with the USPS on that front.