posted on November 12, 2003 04:16:36 PM new
99% of my auction items (gently worn clothing) are shipped USPS Priority Mail, using the large Priority Mail envelopes. In over 300 acutions in the past 8 months, have never experienced a problem. Acoording to feedbacks, the item(s)arrive without damage and within the 2 - 3 day window USPS promises.
Suddenly, today, three different buyers have written emails stating that their purchases havent't arrived (all shipped, at the same time, on Nov. 2).
I offer optional insurance, but none of the buyers opted for it. All of the auctions were less than $25.
If these items never reach the buyers, what should I do? Certainly don't need any neg FB's anytime, but especially with the busy Christmas season ahead.
As always, thanks much for you advice and insight.
posted on November 12, 2003 04:35:55 PM new
Did you put DC on them ????
I would wait a bit, as you can't file a lost package report with the PO for 30 days from ship date.
I would also be sure to tell the 3 buyers that you will file a report and they will have to sign the USPS report that they in fact did not receive the package.
You could also call the 3 different post office's they were mailed to and speak with the carrier... You some times can find out a lot that way...
It also keeps them on their toes.
posted on November 12, 2003 04:37:23 PM new
I think there is something going on with USPS these days. I just recently had a package take 2 weeks to arrive when it should have only taken no more than 5 days. I'm not sure what you can do, if anything, about something that was not insured with no delivery confirmation. I realize this doesn't help the issue at hand, but in the future, you may want to consider adding into your cost of shipping, a Delivery Confirmation. I have mandatory insurance on all my auctions just so that doesn't happen. I've had people say they didn't want to pay it (even tho I have it listed in all my auctions saying it is a "must" ) but I also strongly bring to their attention that in no way am I responsible if item is lost.
posted on November 12, 2003 05:24:35 PM new
tammysue, the only thing I would say is: DO NOT EVER send anything without DC. There is no way to track it without it! If you use one of the online services it only cost 13 cents or so. (free with priority)
posted on November 12, 2003 06:52:04 PM new
I agree, makes no sense to ship priority mail without using eDC, which is free of charge. I just got one yesterday where they say it never arrived, but according to the USPS, I was able to show it was delivered. At that point, it is between them and their mail carrier, I am out of the loop.
posted on November 12, 2003 07:01:11 PM new
The mails are very slow right now, and I tolerate no you-didn't-ship-my-item claims. I'm finding it can take 12 days or longer for a first class package to cross the country.
Don't get caught up with these people who call Delivery Confirmation "tracking". It is NOT tracking. If you refer to it that way, people are going to think that they can go to a Web page and see the progress of their package, and they can't. DC packages are scanned ON ARRIVAL. Up to that point, the USPS web page will say "we were electronically notified to expect your package to be shipped", which will just drive the nuttiest of antsy buyers even nuttier.
Me? I ship up to 100 items a day, every day, all either DC first class or DC Priority Mail.
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posted on November 12, 2003 07:10:51 PM new
Print up a little thank you note with your name and address on it. Put the note inside the package as your packing. I had a shipping lable come off once but the package found its way back to me because of the note.
If you use one of the online services it only cost 13 cents or so. (free with priority)