How do you deal with USPS delivery issues as a seller?

[jollybazar]

Hi...recently I have been experiencing more issues with USPS delivering packages on time and I’ve heard it is due to the new Post Master General that implemented measures to save 200 Million USD in added expenses... This means less staff, less delivery trucks and more logistic issues.

I had one case plus one ongoing right now that the item did not get the initial scan hence you can’t even prove that you have mailed the item....in the first case after 8 days suddenly it appeared and got scanned in a near city to the destination....

Going through those experiences, I do think it may be a good idea to warn buyers on delays through listings and also take necessary measures in order to protect our interest as a seller.

Here are my suggestions:

1.First of, have your package scanned, this means you have to stand in line to get that tracking number scaned.

Do Not use pick up or drop off in the allocated drop off mail boxes because there is a high possibility that your package may not be scanned until they reach the destination.

2. As soon as it is past the delivery estimated date set by USPS(not ebay) you can open a case on usps website through the “help request form” in the find missing mail section (but this is different from the mail search option which you may proceed as a next step if your mail is lost)

Once you submit help request form, you will get a case service request number and then they will investigate on the delay.... sometimes they may close the case without informing you what happened...but you can call usps and reopen the case until you get an answer.

This is also great because it reflects on your ebay tracking page which is a good evidence and the buyer will also notice you are following up and taking care of them.

This works for me as a small time seller and it makes sense to check for every package I sell and open case for every delayed item but I can imagine it’s much harder to do on a bigger scale...

But I believe if more of us sellers open case with the post office , it may push them to correct the current system eventually.

Please do let me know how do you deal with delivery delays and what are your suggestions !?

Thx

[comics-scifi-collectibles]

@jollybazar    

If you are forced to refund for an expensive item before the item is delivered then you might want to try a packgage intercept.

I have stopped all media mail ( which I rarely use anyway) and parcel select shipping as they are most likely to be delayed.

I have been fortunate so far but I have talked buyers into waiting in the past when packages have gone on a walkabout. The buyers said they felt comfortable waiting because I reached out to them and communicated about the issue.

This is what I would say: I know you are anxiously awaiting your package and I appreciate your patience in these difficult times. Please rest assured that you will receive your item or a full refund. You have 30 days from the last estimated delivery date to file a refund request on ebay. I am following up with the postal service and will keep you updated.

Hopefully communicating with your buyer will talk them down off of the ledge.

If they file a refund request I recommend refunding because if they ask ebay to step in ebay will FORCE a refund you will be out your sellers fees and get a DEFECT.

If you end having to refund before the item arrives then you will need to send the buyer a paypal invoice and hope they repay you.

I would say on the invoice: I see that your ______ finally arrived, I hope you are enjoying it.

You will have to ask the buyer for their email address.  This is allowed since you have a recent transaction.  

[jollybazar]

Cool, Thanks man...Thats a great way to communicate with buyers. Would you mind if I use your wording to message buyers?

[comics-scifi-collectibles · Accepted solution]

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@jollybazar wrote:

Cool, Thanks man...Thats a great way to communicate with buyers. Would you mind if I use your wording to message buyers?

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@jollybazar  No problem.  Feel free to copy my wording.  I hope you don't need to use it.

Good luck with your sales.  🙂 

[vintagecraze50]

Usps IS STILL A COMPLETE MESS. I have had to do three package research cases this week. One package was sent to  Florida instead of MO. One the tracking has completely dropped off and no delivery scan. One in Fla got a quick response from USPS and they are forwarding it back to my buyer, One ZERO response back from USPS and will be on the phone getting them to take care of this. Honestly, the best way to handle this is to send stuff FED EX. I have NEVER had so many problems with this service ands it is completely disgusting.

[vintagecraze50]

Yes, I contact my buyers whenever this has happened and stall the process of them filing these INR cases which are DEADLY for sellers here becuase of Ebay forcing the refunds and then the package gets delivered. If you deal in expensive goods this is a DISASTER. You CANNOT GET YOUR FUNDS BACK IF eBAY AWARDS THESE REFUNDS.

[vintagecraze50]

YEP, PACKAGE INTERCEPT will be used on one of mine if they do not come up with something in a few days.