posted on May 8, 2006 10:45:15 AM
I fear my first Paypal problem is looming. I shipped a $40 item a few days ago. The buyer is claiming non-receipt. The transaction was seller protection eligible. US to US, confirmed address. I used delivery confirmation. The tracking info shows up as initial scan but nothing further. Either it wasn't scanned on buyer's end(and he knows it), or it's lost in the mails. I know it's possible it was lost....but I'm a low volume seller. Maybe 100 packages a year. Never lost a package in 20 years, Ebay or elsewhere. It's been 10 days. For those who have been there before, please let me know what I can expect. If the buyer files with Paypal am I covered by the seller protection in this scenario, or am I out the $40 since there is no delivery scan.
posted on May 8, 2006 11:49:09 AM
For you to be protected, it must show delivered. Did you purchase insurance? Remember, insurance protects you, not the buyer.
posted on May 8, 2006 11:57:25 AM
If it's only been 10 days since you shipped, it could still be on the way - the post office has been running slow on delivery from time to time.
If the package never does get scanned as delivered, then you will be out of luck if the buyer files a Paypal non-delivery dispute.
If you think the buyer is trying to pull a scam (ie. the package was delivered but not scanned and he knows it), you could always give a call to his local post office and see if someone there might remember the package. (If the buyer lives in a big city, odds are pretty slim. But if he lives in a small town and/or the package was somehow memorable, there's always a possibility that the carrier might remember.) This won't help you with regards to Paypal, but might be some leverage if you were trying to prove a case of fraud against the buyer.
Without proof of delivery, Paypal will side with the buyer. From the buyer's point of view, even though you did ship the order, if it wasn't delivered, you are the responsible party.
Hope it works out okay for you. Might just be a case of the post office dragging their feet. With any luck, the package will arrive safe & sound in another day or two.
posted on May 8, 2006 12:24:16 PM
USPS is very slow right now. I've got about 10 items that have not arrived yet that should have.
WOW - makes you want to require insurance on everything!!!
posted on May 8, 2006 12:33:50 PM
Since 1999, I've shipped approximately 1500 packies -- never had a LOST item.
From what I've read, and thru conversations with shipping professionals, I've come to the conclusion that the USPS rarely if ever truly "loses" any items as long as you, the sender, follow proper procedure:
1) NEVER, ever use a HAND-WRITTEN label! NEVER!
2) ALWAYS check the address thru the PO's AMS (Address Matching System) for validity. If the address you INPUT shows as "INVALID" but you ship anyway, you stand a large chance of LOST or MISDIRECTED mail!
posted on May 8, 2006 01:16:01 PM
How big is the package??
USPS seldom lose a package,but USPS will misplace a package,I have found mail in my mail box which does not belong to me,once I even found a large package.
/ lets all stop whining !! /
[ edited by hwahwa on May 8, 2006 01:18 PM ]
posted on May 8, 2006 01:23:29 PM
I did not buy insurance. Like Tomwii, I've never had a package lost in over 2000 shipped. I only insure if the value is over $200. Under that I self insure. I estimate I've saved about $2000 over the years by self insuring these low value items. If it turns out I have to cough up $40, I have that reserve to pull from.
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Appreciate the advice. It was a nondescript padded mailer, but it was a very small town, so I like the idea of possibly talking to a mail carrier. I'd love to nail the guy as I do think he's pulling a scam here.
posted on May 8, 2006 01:58:03 PM
Just got off the phone with main USPS number. They say in a case like this after 15 days they do an "internal investigation". Wouldn't tell me what that entailed, but that's quicker than they initially respond to lost registered or insured mail(30 day wait). Surprising.
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.\Maybe I'll just write the buyer a friendly note now and let him know that I'm sorry for the delay, but in 5 more days the post office will do an internal investigation to check on the package's whereabouts, possible mail fraud, etc. Maybe I can nip this thing in the bud.
