Does USPS perform random audits on packages?

[flyinhawaiiangirl]

Mainly to ensure the proper shipping method is used? Such as mailing perfume first class, or shipping non media items through media mail? IF they do, how do they repackage the box? Use the same one, or a new one? Is there any indication placed on the box that a random audit was performed like they do on your luggage at the airport?

Has a seller ever been contacted that the package the buyer received appears to have been tampered with or opened and retaped shut, and then find out later the package was reviewed by the PO to ensure proper shipping methods were purchased and deployed?

Are Ebay sellers expected to compensate the buyer for their perception they have received an item that's been tampered with after I ship and before they receive if the tampering occurred while package is in shipper's possession?

[xchains]

I know that once you give your items to the USPS that LEGALLY it is their property until delivered.  Once it is in another person's mailbox then legally it is theirs.

[lja440]

Yes, I have had that too.

There is a seller on both here and on Amazon that sells poly record covers. They ship MM when these do not qualify. I have bought lots of 500 and 1000 paper 45rpm sleaves and not only do they not qualify but the seller (also here and on Amazon) knows full well that they do not. He puts a 45 record in the top and bottom of the box. 

I report them each and every time I get a misused package.

[hiddenvermont]

I had a purchase arrive Media Mail, it was mailing labels. I reported the seller.

I had another purchase that was over 4 pounds, arrive with a 7 oz FC label. Apparently the PO catches these themselves and bills the seller for the overage. No more postage due (that is, if the postage label was printed online).

[7606dennis]

It is my understanding that only Media Mail is subject to routine inspections.  However, in the case of sending perfume or any other hazardous materials through the mail there are procedures that must be adhered to.  Failure to do so would subject the sender to criminal and civil penalties if discovered.

For example, if a shipment of perfume sent First Class Mail should leak in transit and result in damage to other pieces of mail, the shipper of the perfume could be prosecuted for perjury for lying when asked if the package contained any hazardous materials or liquids.  They could probably be sued for losses incurred by other shippers  owing to damage caused by the leaking shipment.

Of course, in the extreme case of the perfume causing a fire on an aircraft after it had been shipped by inappropriate means, could result in the prosecution for negligent homicide if there was a life lost because of it.

As mentioned by another poster, I believe that USPS has the right to inspect all classes of shipments if there is reasonable cause to do so or if a search warrant is involved.

[nobody*s_perfect]

@7606dennis

@berserkerplanet is correct. Parcel Select and First Class packages aren't sealed against inspection, they wouldn't require a search warrant nor a serious situation like leaking liquids:

"3.4 Inspection of Contents

Parcel Select packages are not sealed against postal inspection. Regardless of physical closure, the mailing of articles at Parcel Select prices constitutes consent by the mailer to postal inspection of the contents."

https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/253.htm

"3.2.1 Inspection of Contents

Articles mailed at First-Class Package Service — Commercial prices are not sealed against postal inspection. Regardless of physical closure, the mailing of articles at First-Class Package Service — Commercial prices constitutes consent by the mailer to postal inspection of the contents."

https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/283.htm