eBay

gagojure · ‎10-02-2020

I just discovered that the USPS apparently isn't following through with getting a signature at the time of delivery as they are supposed to be doing when you purchase the "signature confirmation" service. I shipped a package to someone by insured Priority mail with signature confirmation. USPS tracking notified me that the package had arrived...however, when I called the recipient a few days later, they informed me that they didn't sign for it...it was just left in the mailbox. I thought that was odd, so I went to my local post office to inquire. They informed me that due to covid 19 they weren't getting signatures. And they showed me that the carrier writes "covid 19" where the recipients signature should be. So, I told the postmaster I wanted a refund for the service I paid for but didn't get...he told me he can't authorize that. And I told him that the USPS shouldn't be offering a service and accepting payment for a service they are not providing. Seems a little shady to me...your thoughts please.

vintagecraze50 · ‎10-02-2020

I send everything with a signature and it is probably a best practice now due to COVID to avoid close contact for the workers and the customers. As long as that package is shown to be delivered you should still be ok for any false INR claims. Also , since the item was recorded as Signature Tracked in the USPS system, it still carried greater protection in a false INR claim.

gagojure · ‎10-02-2020

@vintagecraze50 wrote:
I send everything with a signature and it is probably a best practice now due to COVID to avoid close contact for the workers and the customers. As long as that package is shown to be delivered you should still be ok for any false INR claims. Also , since the item was recorded as Signature Tracked in the USPS system, it still carried greater protection in a false INR claim.

Well ok, but what about the fact that a "buyer" can claim they didn't get it because they didn't sign for it?

muttlymob · ‎10-02-2020

@gagojure wrote:
They informed me that due to covid 19 they weren't getting signatures. And they showed me that the carrier writes "covid 19" where the recipients signature should be.

They are partially right.

The current method of signature confirmation is that the mail carrier must attempt to contact the recipient - ie, knock on the door. If someone answers, then the carrier is to deliver the package by writing initials, route ID#, and Covid19. Then write the name of the recipient.

If no one answers the door then the same procedure as before covid - the carrier is to leave a notice that the package is available at the PO since it requires a signature.

Packages requiring signatures should NOT be left without any contact with the recipient. This is clearly stated in the USPS instructions to mail carriers.

So yes, the USPS is not getting direct signatures for many parcels. But no, the package should not have been left in the mailbox with no contact with the recipient.