USPS lost item

[rodus-9pa6niyj]

Hello! I’m new to selling on eBay and this is the first time it’s happened but I sold my item on here and a couple days later the buyer has still not received the item. I checked tracking and notice it hasn’t moved in over 5 days. eBay then put a hold on my funds, so I then file a missing mail form and it’s been over a month and still have not heard back from USPS.. I filed a claim with USPS already but eBay said that they are refunding the buyer the full amount and it says that I am negative the amount that the buyer paid.. will I have to pay for the shipping out of my own pocket? It is not my fault that USPS lost the package so I’m not sure why I would have to pay the fees back? eBay never gave me my funds so will I end up having to pay for everything until it gets settled with USPS?😩

[caldreamer]

Just so you know EBAY holds Sellers responsible for (lost or damaged package).   You are required to give customer a full refund (purchase price + shipping).

If you shipping via PRIORITY MAIL or USPS GROUND ADVANTAGE (this includes free insurance).  You can file a claim online with USPS.com for lost package.   Attached a copy of your EBAY invoice and ask for full refund (including postage).

If USPS approves your claim...it will take 2-3 weeks to get a paper check in the mail.

[nobody*s_perfect]

You have to reimburse the buyer in full.  USPS packages shipped via Priority or Ground Advantage are automatically insured for  up to $100 and if the package is lost then the postage is supposed to be refunded as well. Insurance claim can take a couple of weeks to settle. Have you filed the insurance claim or just the missing mail request?

https://www.usps.com/help/claims.htm

[tobaccocardyahoo]

 YOU are responsible for safe delivery of every order you process.

If there is insurance that is to protect and reimburse you for what you have refunded to the buyer.

You choose the shipper, the shipping service and the amount of insurance. You pack it to avoid damage. You are responsible.

[rodus-9pa6niyj]

Thank you! I wanted to make sure I did everything correctly on my end. So now I just wait for the claim to go through

[oldwestgold]

Have you contacted your local Post Office?  The Manager or Postmaster will be able to determine where your package is in the system. You should also try to understand why your item got delayed such as how you shipped it, was the name and address readable to the mail sorting equipment, etc. This way you will avoid repeating this, if a problem. Some people just half-hazardly package items and drop them at their local PO believing it is now the USPS problem.  Just an FYI - but you should start by talking with your local PO to find out what the deal is on your missing item.  Good luck!

[meekamaye]

I just went through this last week. I noticed a package had been sitting in the St. Paul, MN distribution for six days. I got on the phone, called USPS ( 1-800-275-8777) and had to do the electronic voice options, finally kept repeating agent and got a very nice lady on the phone. She solved my problem in 20 minutes, the package was found. This was on Friday, Saturday the receiving post office called to tell me it was out for delivery. Three hours later there was nice feedback left for me. Forget filing forms for USPS when something is lost, call them and get a person! When you notice something isn't moving, be pro-active and get on the phone. Don't wait until your funds are held. The results is a happy customer. Write that phone number down and hang on to it. This is the first time in 8 years I have had a lost package. 

[brjunco]

LOST/STOLEN/MISSING USPS Packages

File a USPS Claim * Re-ship item for a 2nd time * Send buyer Track# & follow until confirmed delivered

Do NOT add 2nd Track# to your sold item;

because ebay considers 2nd Track# as LATE & as a DEFECT (another one of ebay's FLAW in their system)

[reallynicestamps]

The buyer's eBay Claim is unrelated to the seller's USPS Claim.

The seller should refund the buyer immediately if they cannot prove delivery. Not shipping, delivery.

Then and only then does the seller go to USPS* and file their insurance claim.

Do NOT make the buyer wait for their refund.

*Or whatever carrier they hired.

[sin-n-dex]

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@brjunco wrote:

LOST/STOLEN/MISSING USPS Packages

File a USPS Claim * Re-ship item for a 2nd time * Send buyer Track# & follow until confirmed delivered

Do NOT add 2nd Track# to your sold item;

because ebay considers 2nd Track# as LATE & as a DEFECT (another one of ebay's FLAW in their system)

---

I found that out the hard way. I had two of the same stamp set, and it didn't arrive. So I shipped a replacement. They counted it as a defect even though I shipped the original one on time.

C.

[rugerskick]

The only time you're not held responsible for a package is if its tracked and marked by the carrier as delivered.  

Sometimes if you have a buyer who is more of a veteran buyer and its not their first rodeo, they know items get delayed and will wait it out.  That gives you time to get the carrier to do a trace/search for the package, and I do know at least usps will do that if you file for them to search for a overdue package.