USPS SHIPPING

[justforfun6]

A first time experience in over 20 years. I sold a set of 4 bowls. Packaged them as a set securely for shipping.  The box arrived 14 days later. Buyer opened box . Only 1 bowl in the box.  She was upset thinking I had poorly shipped her 1 bowl.  I explained to her I had shipped the set of 4. I had her send me pictures of the box as arrived.  The box was fine, part of my packing materials was in the box with 1 bowl. Box had been sealed back up with clear tape which I do not even have  in my wrap room. took 14 days to go from Ca to WV. I plan to file a claim with P.O. but think in the future I may start taking pictures of my wrapped items before sealing the box so if this becomes a norm I will have some form of evidence. I have found the postal system is not quite as reliable as in the past in regards to handling packages. But this is a first. 

[wastingtime101]

It's not the norm, but it can happen.

When you seal your boxes, use a +. In other words, tape along the seam, but also tape in the opposite direction. That will help prevent issues of tape / flaps coming undone.

[bonanza125]

Did you write on the package "Fragile" all over the place? If you don't they will treat it as if you were shipping pillows and throw the package around and not place it down gently. This is not normal but in cases they do inspect the package. I would suggest maybe considering on shipping fragile items to use Fed Ex or UPS.

[annadryl]

@bonanza125The machinery, conveyor belts and the huge bins they throw them into don't read all that. USPS used to offer a special service (extra cost, with official stickers) so they would be more on-hands handled, but they discontinued that. They now suggest you just pack it better.

[wpt05]

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@bonanza125 wrote:

Did you write on the package "Fragile" all over the place? If you don't they will treat it as if you were shipping pillows and throw the package around and not place it down gently. This is not normal but in cases they do inspect the package. I would suggest maybe considering on shipping fragile items to use Fed Ex or UPS.

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What evidence do you have that UPS ships their packages carefully?  I've been to UPS facilities where they treat packages like footballs.  The ones that say fragile get an extra pounding.  

[bonanza125]

@wpt05 

The evidence I have is the amount of claims made on fragile items throughout the years from each carrier. On fragile items I use those two companies over USPS. 

[jg.mason]

The first time in 20 years with 12,000 items sold, why would you do anything different?

I would just shake my head and chuckle. Now if it becomes a recurring problem then I might think about doing something different.

[justforfun6]

I always tape multiple times in both directions. The box showed no signs of being damaged. If the post offices recognizes a damage they normally put a notification of damage on the box. Even the pictures show evidence the ebay tape was in place. . 

[justforfun6]

And I have found writing fragile on a box almost insures them trying to brake it. The post office does not remove broken pieces from a box then reseal it. The box shows no evidence of damage. And both FedEx and UPS both handle packages much rougher than the p.o.. in 25 years I've never had a box opened and resealed let alone missing contents.

[justforfun6]

I pack for safet arrival for all of my packages. After 25 years of shipping dishes and almost never had anything broken because I do pack excessively secure. And the box showed no damage  other than being opened and retaped. 

[justforfun6]

The reason I use USPS over UPS of fed ex is overall in my part of the country I see the p.o. handling their packages. I also see how the much more carefully. I pack securely for safe arrival regardless of how the package is handled. 

[justforfun6]

Since in over 25 years I have not had more than a dozen claims and some of those had fragile marked on them. This box was not damaged in anyway. Plus no shipping company opens boxes to check on contents or takes out broken item and resends in my experience.

[justforfun6]

I wouldn't do anything different. But I do feel the USPS may be hiring less qualified people and perhaps a small amount of pilfering taking place could be possible. 

[stephenmorgan]

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@justforfun6 wrote:

I wouldn't do anything different. But I do feel the USPS may be hiring less qualified people and perhaps a small amount of pilfering taking place could be possible.

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 When you made your claim were you able to show the weight difference from when it was accepted at USPS to when it was delivered by USPS?

[fbusoni]

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@annadryl wrote:

@bonanza125The machinery, conveyor belts and the huge bins they throw them into don't read all that. USPS used to offer a special service (extra cost, with official stickers) so they would be more on-hands handled, but they discontinued that. They now suggest you just pack it better.

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Is it a fact that cardboard boxes containing fragile items are "thrown" into huge bins by machinery?  

Is there a video available which shows this being done?