eBay

train_slide_central · ‎12-19-2023

I created a label for a poster in a mailing tube on Dec 14. I dropped it at the counter of the post office along with 6 other packages on that day, 5 days ago. Now I just noticed it is still has no scan in the system at all. Tracking number comes up with nothing except "tracking number provided", and "Pre-Shipment info sent. USPS awaits Item". It was sent Ground Advantage. Thoughts on this anyone? TIA

martin2001 · ‎12-19-2023

If you do not use SCAN sheet, you should. Other packages, do they show an acceptance scan?

I always drop off my packages at the counter with a SCAN sheet to get the acceptance scan. I mail a lot of tubes. Tubes are handled manually, which causes delays. They are notorious for not getting scanned along the way, so if your post office did not scan the tube for whatever reason, the next scan may well be when it is delivered.

I wouldn't worry, it's Christmas time, lot of packages in the system.

View Best Answer in original post

duncanvr · ‎12-19-2023

They are probably back logged you would have been better off asking them to scan it when you were there. Its not just safe to drop off at counter unless you fully trust the staff are going to scan it for you the same day.

robbie31415 · ‎12-19-2023

Could be a few things. Lost, still at the PO because misplaced. Delays of sorting.

If you simply left at counter then you put yourself at risk since you opted out of drop off acceptance.

Personally I'd reprint the label and go to a kiosk to get an acceptance scan and buy some time to see if it shows up.

train_slide_central · ‎12-19-2023

OK thanks. It's a small town post office, literally only ever one customer maximum in there. I'm guessing they forgot to scan it.

train_slide_central · ‎12-19-2023

The post office I use is as big as my living room. Everything goes out the same day. There is no kiosk here.

meme6253 · ‎12-19-2023

I never drop packages, I wait for them to scan my packages & I also ask for a receipt.

susanb1872 · ‎12-19-2023

I assume you attached the label properly. The post office recommends attaching the label a certain way on mailing tubes to make sure it gets scanned .

jerseyboymusic · ‎12-19-2023

You need to really ask the postmaster at your post office... I'm also in a small town (village, actually) and the post office here is great at scanning in packages. The postmaster here is very hands on as well and quick to rectify issues I may have.

robbie31415 · ‎12-19-2023

I understand and some POs can b3 very good at scanning if left at counter especially the very small ones with little traffic.

However, unless you wait in line and ask for a receipt you are risking potentially not getting a scan right away.

I'd contact them and see if it might still be there.

This is especially more common during busy times like christmas.

fashunu4eeuh · ‎12-19-2023

Dropping packages on the counter can be a risky practice because there is no proof you actually shipped the item. Small post office or not, i get my acceptance scans at the counter to cover myself.

12345jamesstamps · ‎12-19-2023

One thing I do not do is bother the buyer with emails. Unless the buyer questions about no movement of tracking...do nothing. You will be opening up "A can of worms" if you email the buyer.

Most buyers are honest and will wait....there is always that one sneaky buyer who will try to get a refund even though there was tracking but it isn't showing up.

itsjustasprain · ‎12-19-2023

@susanb1872 wrote:
I assume you attached the label properly. The post office recommends attaching the label a certain way on mailing tubes to make sure it gets scanned .

The label has to be right-side-up on the longest side of the package. So with a mailing tube you apply the label so that it can be read when holding the tube horizontally. That way the bar code can be read square-on to the scanner.

If the label was applied the long way on the tube instead then the ends of the bar code would be curving away from the scanner at both ends and might not be readable at all on a small-diameter tube.

ebooksdiva · ‎12-19-2023

Just dropping off your packages and assuming the postal clerks will take care of it is not a good practice.
It’s best to wait to have the packages scanned while you are there and get a receipt.

If your packages aren’t receiving an acceptance scan you may get a defect on your seller dashboard as the items will appear as though you either didn’t ship or where late shipping.

The upside, is you may see those scans come in late when they reach their destination and may still reflect acceptance scan when you initially dropped the packages off. It happens.

You can also start a lost package research it may jar things loose. Or check with the post master see if they can find out where your packages are.

retro_entertainment_collectibles · ‎12-19-2023

At 5 days it should have scanned through someplace already. As one person said, the label need be crosswise on the tube so its relatively flat (horizontal). If its around the tube bending the tracking code can be problems.