As a seller, what do I do if USPS lost a package and it was sent parcel post (no insurance)?

[ebooksdiva]

Apologize to your buyer and issue a refund.

[klhmdg]

How long has it been lost?

Did you file a missing package with USPS?

How long since the package has been scanned by USPS?

If the package can not be found you will have to refund in full the buyer.

[rudy2828]

Take your lumps. That's why I never use Parcel Select anymore. Never had a loss though.

[ms.rodriguez*]

Has it been at least 2 weeks since you shipped?  If the buyer has NOT opened a case, ask them to please wait a little longer.  See if you can go to the post office with the tracking number and ask the clerk to view it on their system. The postal system shows more details.  Hopefully, there is some information that you can tell the buyer like it's close to your home or it's travelling right now towards the next postal facility.  

If there is no tracking and it's been at least 3 weeks, then you will have to refund. Technically, the post office does not consider anything lost unless it's been 30 days since it was shipped.

[aswegrow2]

Try going to USPS site to track a package page.  Then look below where it states get updates. Request all updates. For my name I enter a  platform & brief package identifier ( ex: EBAY* for 1st name  COLORBOOK* for  last name) as this helps me to quickly identify which package.   I take a screen shot of that information  and send it to my buyer so  they know I am trying to locate parcel.

You will get a notice, maybe no movement, but it will give you up to date info. I don't know why but seems to help the package get located. 

Does not cost anything and worth a try.  But you are responsible to make it right with the buyer.  

[simba6]

Refund is full as cheerfully  as possible.   Lost packages don't happen all that often.  Go to the USPS web site and contact them about it.  They can often but not always find it.