How long to wait for tracked USPS package to be delivered.

[bradkay]

I shipped an item USPS ground advantage. Tracking shows it is in the buyers home state. However, for 4 days the only tracking info is:

Moving Through Network

In Transit to Next Facility, Arriving Late

i've asked the buyer to wait a few more days. What's an appropriate amount of time to ask the buyer to wait?  The Package shipped 15 days ago.

[hartungcards]

You need to submit a Missing Mail Search Request on the USPS website, and inform your buyer that you have done this.  As long as it has a tracking number, this usually shakes it loose in a day or two.

[dbfolks166mt]

     Depending on what state you shipped the item to and where it is currently there are a LOT of weather issues impacting mail deliveries. As long as it is not past the projected delivery date or the buyer has not said anything it's not an issue. Even if you pass the delivery date depending on where the buyer is located eBay has protections in place for sellers impacted by delays. 

https://community.ebay.com/t5/Announcements/Seller-Protections-are-in-place-for-sellers-impacted-by-... 

     Depending on what class of postage you used following are the timelines for submitting a claim with USPS. 

[spark-chaser1]

Explain to the buyer that in many states right now, weather and other factors are slowing deliveries, and that while out of your control, they will most likely than not  see their items arrive, albeit a bit late.

Delivery estimates are arbitrary and don’t always reflect reality, and tend to create unnecessary angst.

I can attest that packages can move across the country or the world, but then sit in the buyers’ regional DC for up to a week before moving again. I have many packages hat move quickly outside of the US and then actually take double the time to reach me once inside the country. 

Winter weather, and restructuring of the USPS are slowing things down, but things WILL make it to their destinations. 

[spark-chaser1]

Explain to the buyer that in many states right now, weather and other factors are slowing deliveries, and that while out of your control, they will most likely than not  see their items arrive, albeit a bit late.

Delivery estimates are arbitrary and don’t always reflect reality, and tend to create unnecessary angst.

I can attest that packages can move across the country or the world, but then sit in my state’s regional DC for up to a week before moving again. I have many packages that move quickly outside of the US and then actually take double the time to reach me once inside the country. 

Winter weather, and restructuring of the USPS are slowing things down, but things WILL make it to their destinations. 

[spark-chaser1]

Sorry… adding to my last comment and to actually answer the question, if the item is beyond the EDD, asking the buyer to wait will have an effect that is depending on the buyer’s state of mind.  

some will gladly wait while others will make it a point to open a claim ASAP. If they haven’t said anything to you, then leave it until they do.

….apologies for repeat posts, apparently there is a ghost in the machine today.