Does package with eBay return label get scanned by USPS if it's dropped off in USPS collection box?

[tfr888]

Rather than stand in line at the local post office, I put a bubble envelope with the eBay return shipping label into a USPS blue collection box. It's been a couple of days now and the USPS tracking system still does not show that the package is in the possession of USPS.  This is the first time I've put something other than a letter into a USPS drop box.  Do you sacrifice tracking if you don't take a package to the counter? 

[hurryagain]

It should but not all packages that just get dropped off get an initial scan.  The only way to guarantee an acceptance scan from USPS is to take it to the counter and have them scan it right then & there.

@tfr888 

[tfr888]

Is an Acceptance Scan a prerequisite for the final delivery scan?

[1tuna]

the final delivery scan happens when its delivered,it might be the only scan it ever gets

most of my item are never scanned in at the post office since I drop them in the chute.

you have to go to the counter if you want them scanned.

your return  will be fine

[kus1617]

Did You check the pick-up schedule for that particular drop-box? some have 1 collection day per week.

[no_zero369]

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@1tuna wrote:

the final delivery scan happens when its delivered,it might be the only scan it ever gets

most of my item are never scanned in at the post office since I drop them in the chute.

you have to go to the counter if you want them scanned.

your return  will be fine

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eh, just to toss something into the 'anxiety chute".....

This is true IF the over worked carrier bothers to scan the package on delivery!   I have gotten packages that never received a "delivered" scan.  But of course I always wrote and thanked the seller for the item noting it was just delivered.

I guess if there is no scan along the way, no scan at delivery, then one has to rely on the honesty of the seller to refund instead of saying they never got it.

One problem with not getting an acceptance scan by the buyer on a return use to be the buyer had no proof they returned the item and the seller could ask eBay to close the return and deny the refund.  But now it looks like eBay is allowing buyers to return something for 35 days and has ceased forced closures of returns for non-shipment.

[mama_583368]

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@tfr888 wrote:

Is an Acceptance Scan a prerequisite for the final delivery scan?

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No, and it seems that an eBay return label travels faster and is not delayed like other USPS packages. And if you use an eBay return label, you will get a refund, even if it's never delivered:

When a buyer returns an item and it doesn't show delivered within the specified timeframe then we will look at three possible situations to determine the outcome.

1. If the buyer used an eBay return label then we will close the case in the buyers favor, regardless of who paid for the return label.

2. If the buyer used their own label and they paid for it themselves, we will close the case in the sellers favor.

3. If the seller sent the buyer a label and the seller paid for it, we will close the case in the buyers favor.