USPS Lost package

[m_pthisandthat]

Shipped an item USPS Priority Mail it was insured. The package is lost. Has anybody delt with this problem? How did you proceed? Did you go through ebay? Open a USPS lost item case? Open an ebay case? Have buyer open case? How did you you resolve the money issue?

[spark-chaser1]

I've dealt with it several times as a buyer. 

Several times I've had packages drop off of the radar for long periods while in transit from the seller to myself. I will usually wait until the last EDD passes and then I will open a package research case with USPS first and foremost.

Unless I contact a seller, I usually never hear from them,or notice that they have undertaken any action towards locating anything. Some sellers have outright just told me "too bad, so sad".

Anyway, sometimes the package moves again, the USPS finds it, or I wind up filing an INR if I don't get any other relief.

YOU will make your buyers day if YOU make the effort to help them find that package, or in the very least, bring about a resolution. In my experience, once that package is on the road, it seems to be up to me to make sure it arrives, even though it wasn't I who contracted the shipper. 

Others may chime in with their opinions, this is solely from my own experience. You can have the buyer do some legwork, as I've had to. But is it really my job to fix what you initiated with the USPS? You have more info than I do. 

Probably not much help, but hope I got close.

[anjofak]

First thing call the usps customer service number and request a "package research case" once you see this has started on the tracking information go to usps website and start the insurance process,  one or the other well have some kind of action within 5-10 business days,  if insurance is paid contact buyer and explain and refund..

[anjofak]

As a seller we have a usps business account,  and as senders we really can't do much other than see the same tracking information you see,  and we by usps rules have to wait 7 business days after the estimated delivery date to start any of the actions..

As buyers/receiver's we can start calling and complaining to the usps any day after estimated delivery date..

Had a package last year sit in the same location for 6 months halfway to us..actually showed up..

[lamber9347]

@m_pthisandthat Yes, this has happened to me twice on priority packages. USPS will not consider a package as officially lost until they conduct a review, which will take some time. First go to usps.com and at the bottom of the page you can begin a search for my item using the tracking number. There is a form to fill out requesting much information. You will then receive an email confirming you have begun a search for your package. The system takes it from there. 

Regarding your buyer, you will need to refund them. Ask the buyer to open an item not received case, enter the tracking number, and eventually it will close on the buyer's side. You can then refund them. Unfortunately, you will not be able to force a payment from your buyer should the package eventually be delivered so stay on their good side and keep the communication running with them. If you play nice the buyer can pay you again afterwards for the cost of the item alone, the shipping will be lost. Best of luck to you....