USPS Tracking Stuck on pre-shipping even though I dropped off package 4 days ago

[northwest_picker_llc]

I'm a relatively new seller and I have an item with tracking stuck on "pre-shipping" even though I dropped it off with USPS last Thursday (6/10/21). Is this a pretty common issue/when should I start to worry?

I dropped off the box with a prepaid label (thoroughly taped on of course) on their counter. I even dropped another item off at the same time and it had no issues.

[lepke1979]

It happens. Sometimes it won't show movement until it gets to the final hub. If you dropped it off Thursday. I probably wouldn't be super concerned until maybe Friday or Monday.

And even then, there isn't much you can do until it shows something. If the buyer questions it, just let them what you know. Apologies and it was dropped off 6/10.

[duffy4444]

   This is not that uncommon these days. Unless there is a problem and your box gets returned to you for some reason, your item will probably pick up a scan somewhere along its journey. This was a real problem last year at Thanksgiving and Christmas time, and I had about a dozen delayed shipments and needed to calm my buyers down. Deliveries have gotten much better, but there is still the odd shipment out there that seems to skip a few scans along the way, yet eventually shows up and gets delivered.

   If your buyer gets a bit impatient, you may need to ask him/her to have patience, because once you drop it off at the PO, it's out of your hands.

   Good luck,

Cheers, Duffy

[forward-motion]

I have had this happen several times. Really not sure what happens, but they all arrived on time, and later the tracking was updated.  

[nuclearomen]

It isn't "normal" but happens, usually because what that is telling you is that the package moved through the first facility but wasn't scanned, thus nothing will show until package reaches next facility in it's route and gets scanned there. To prevent this, bring packages to USPS counter and have them scan the packages, you get a receipt (and keep those receipts). You said you took them to the counter but they obviously didn't scan them or it would say "USPS IN POSSESSION OF ITEM (city, state, zip code)

[greatstuff80]

I always take the extra time to have it scanned at the counter. Otherwise, if it is lost you have no recourse at all, no proof of shipment, no insurance coverage, etc.  It will also show your buyer that at least you did drop it off and it is in the mail system. 

[1tuna]

I drop and go at the USPS.all my packages are 1st class and this has happened to me many times

the worst is when your buyer says you did not ship yet........its a no win situation

remember this..........just because one package is early  does not make the other one late

if you ship 2 packages they get there when they do

my best advice is to not look at tracking............I sure dont care about it

[gjs_16]

Sadly, this is our present state of affairs.

It happens more than I'd care to think about.

Worrying won't do any good.

[dugoldstuff]

What class postage was it? Sometimes that makes a diff for the USPS. They do 4th class last and ignore it if they're busy. They've even told me that at the counter and on the phone for various claims I've filed.

For example, I shipped a book on May 13.  I got a scan and a receipt at the PO counter.

Then, it NEVER had another scan, despite me filing a "Where's my package?" and a "Missing Mail" claim over the next four weeks.

Then, guess what? Finally, last Saturday, June 12, a bunch of scans were uploaded to the package tracking number, and it was delivered.

If I were still selling here, as I understand it, eBay would have held my money in MP until the package showed delivered. So now, with MP, as I understand it, we are going to be adversely impacted by the inefficiencies and neglect of the USPS.

[dugoldstuff]

I always take the extra time to have it scanned at the counter. Otherwise, if it is lost you have no recourse at all, no proof of shipment, no insurance coverage, etc.

Correct.

Stand in line, even if it takes half an hour (like it sometimes did for me) and get that scan and that receipt. Unless you can prove THEY have it, you are out of luck.

[nuclearomen]

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@dugoldstuff wrote:

What class postage was it? Sometimes that makes a diff for the USPS. They do 4th class last and ignore it if they're busy. They've even told me that at the counter and on the phone for various claims I've filed.

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Not really, that is uncommon, normal operations have all packages scan every facility, no matter the method. There should be scan for package arriving and departing each facility. Does happen at times scans are missed or deliberately not scanned and just put on a truck for next facility - usually this happens during December - xmas rush but otherwise, normally, packages get scanned in and out every facility.  

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If I were still selling here, as I understand it, eBay would have held my money in MP until the package showed delivered. So now, with MP, as I understand it, we are going to be adversely impacted by the inefficiencies and neglect of the USPS.

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Only if buyer files INR claim on seller does Ebay pull money from MP pending/processing funds and places on hold - or if none available will take from your bank account or backup payment method. It's not done automatically. But what can happen automatically, because tracking shows "awaiting shipment" is potentially ebay's system can qued to give you a mark seller performance under "Late shipment rate" for "tracking not uploaded on time" - going by if it exceeds the sellers stated handle time... and in the OP's case, nothing they can do to have it removed as they cannot prove that USPS had the package without getting a receipt when they dropped it off. 

[luckythewinner]

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@greatstuff80 wrote:

I always take the extra time to have it scanned at the counter.

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That's what I do as well. Porch pirates don't always steal from porches.

[mr_lincoln]

@northwest_picker_llc   You need to stand in line and get the Acceptance scan at the counter, otherwise you are at risk for packages NOT getting scanned, pure and simple because it happens.  Our Local Post office has a lane for drop off ... Monday mornings I see piles of packages there ... there is NO guarantee the clerks will scan those packages on time or even there ...

If your item still shows no movement one day past the original delivery date then process a Missing Mail piece claim with USPS.  You will need the Buyer's address, your address, the value of the shipment, the tracking number, etc.  We have had good success with this when packages get stuck in the USPS system.

[northwest_picker_llc]

Thanks for responding, from now on I'll just wait in line and get the packages scanned in. Seems worth the wait just for the peace of mind.

[northwest_picker_llc]

Thanks, my buyer is actually cool about it and I noticed before they did I think.