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Does eBay report theft by postal workers?

A couple of times, I've sold an item (less than 20 bucks, using standard envelope) and had the tracking just stop. Scanned as being en-route, but not scanned as delivered. Buyer asked for a refund. I'm aware the most likely explanation is the buyer did actually receive the item, but since it wasn't scanned, he figures he can get away with getting it for free. However, it's also possible it was stolen by a postal employee. This latest buyer claims he has had several packages stolen from a certain Baltimore post office. So, I have two questions, 1) What is eBay doing to work with USPS to ensure packages are indeed scanned when they're delivered, and 2) Does eBay report claims of theft by postal workers to USPS? Thank you.

Message 1 of 13
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12 REPLIES 12

Re: Does eBay report theft by postal workers?

Ebay has no say how USPS runs their business.

They don't don't know if a USPS worker is stealing packages or not.

Have A Great Day.
Message 2 of 13
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Re: Does eBay report theft by postal workers?

Wow that’s a heck of an accusation without proof that a postal worker would steal packages, more likely it’s a porch pirate stealing, if that is what’s really happening. 
No eBay doesn’t monitor the post offices nor do they work with them in any capacity , nor do they report claims of theft, those reports should be done by the recipient of the packages that may have been stolen and report to their local police department. 
It’s the buyer’s responsibility to ensure a safe location to receive their packages.

Message 3 of 13
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Re: Does eBay report theft by postal workers?

If the buyer has theft concerns they should report to the USPIS. Here's a link you can send the buyer @rlmcyd : https://www.uspis.gov/report

 

As for eBay Standard Envelope, if you find the tracking on eBay to be lacking, you can track the ESUS number on this site which sometimes has more details: https://parcelsapp.com/en

This is a metered mail shipment so it does not receive traditional tracking scans and the clerk at the PO counter cannot scan it. Instead you should drop these envelopes in your PO's metered mail slot. The envelope will be scanned by sorting machinery at distribution centers along the way.

Common reasons ESE envelopes don't get scans include:
- Overpacking. Envelopes are too stiff. It's not recommended to use trading card top loaders or cardboard mailers.
- Placement of label. Label should be placed in the upper right corner with 1/8" clearance from edges. If it's placed too far from the corner the machinery won't scan it.

With ESE, a 'delivered' scan generally occurs at the last sort facility before it gets to the buyer, so typically the buyer will receive their order a day or two after the delivered scan.

If an item doesn't have a delivered scan and a buyer files a not received claim, you do have insurance coverage and the claims process is outlined on this page:

 

https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/shipping-items/setting-shipping-options/ebay-standard-envelope?id=...

Message 4 of 13
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Re: Does eBay report theft by postal workers?

A lot of those eBay standard envelopes show no scanning. A buyer saying item not received....eBay would have the tracking for proof...shouldn't be refunding buyers unless a claim is open. 

I have a few open trackings....one from February still in route...LOL.   Lucky my buyers did not say item not received.

Theft by postal workers...not nice to say without proof. 

I have never had anything lost by USPS this year

There are porch pirates who actually steal.

And I don't use a lot of tracking....good old .66 on an envelope works for me. Nothing lost this year. 

Message 5 of 13
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Re: Does eBay report theft by postal workers?

Last night UPS delivered 2 large envelopes. I went out took delivery and off the guy went. I went inside & one envelope has a razor cut just above the bottom. Of course nothing in the one with the cut the other was what i ordered. Had to be one of the carriers. I took pics sent them as requested by the seller and i am sure they will make it right. I just hope they can someway catch the one that stole it.

Message 6 of 13
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Re: Does eBay report theft by postal workers?

Wow, I never thought of that. You must be some kind of genius. Have you ever tested for MENSA?

Message 7 of 13
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Re: Does eBay report theft by postal workers?

I believe it's entirely possible that a postal worker would steal packages, but that's not the gist of my post. Suppose an item shows tracking to a specific zip code, and the tracking stops there. No delivery. Now suppose it happens at that zip code far more often that other zip codes. Maybe it happens 100 times in a month compared to two or three times at an average zip code. Do you think eBay would be interested in following up with USPS about that? THAT is the point of my post. 

Message 8 of 13
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Re: Does eBay report theft by postal workers?

This is very helpful. Thank you very much for your response.

Message 9 of 13
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Re: Does eBay report theft by postal workers?

I can't see a postal worker risking a $20 to $30 hour job for a $20 or less sports card.

Have A Great Day.
Message 10 of 13
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Re: Does eBay report theft by postal workers?


@rlmcyd wrote:

Wow, I never thought of that. You must be some kind of genius. Have you ever tested for MENSA?


 

It doesn't take a genius to figure that out.

Have A Great Day.
Message 11 of 13
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Re: Does eBay report theft by postal workers?


@rlmcyd wrote:

I believe it's entirely possible that a postal worker would steal packages, but that's not the gist of my post. Suppose an item shows tracking to a specific zip code, and the tracking stops there. No delivery. Now suppose it happens at that zip code far more often that other zip codes. Maybe it happens 100 times in a month compared to two or three times at an average zip code. Do you think eBay would be interested in following up with USPS about that? THAT is the point of my post. 


No eBay doesn’t get involved with that.

I already said in my previous comment eBay does not Work with the Post office in any capacity.

Why would they?

Message 12 of 13
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Re: Does eBay report theft by postal workers?

There are 41,638 zip codes.

Doubtful that ebay keeps 'tabs' on 'what zip codes are more prone to non delivery etc.

 

Not to mention that EVERY postal worker gets 2 to 8 weeks off, and 1 day per week where 'another' probably 'less familiar, less experienced' filler inner (is that a word?) so basically the answer to your question is

 

None and No

Message 13 of 13
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