2. misc-audio
  3. 1060908658

Need Advise

I sold a piece of Audio gear on E-Bay. It may not be a problem yet as I am waiting to hear back from the buyer who was pretty upset yesterday that it had not arrived. The buyer paid for USPS ground, which as you know does not provide a tracking option for the package, nor is it the quickest route. He indicated he had just gotten back from europe and the package had not arrived, day 8. I shipped the unit insured from Texas to New York City. As of today it has not arrived, it has been 9 days, seems a bit long. How does one go about filing a shipping claim, when should one determine that enough time has elapsed to do so. Should I immediately refund his MO, or wait to see what happened to the item when USPS tracks it? I am concerned about sending the MO back, as he could then end up with both my gear and the MO. I think most people are honest, but there are exceptions.
bioman

Showing 3 responses by driver

driver's avatar
driver
750 posts
 
You have to wait 30 days to file a claim. Tell the buyer this is the USPS rule, not yours. Also, I think the ins. claim # gives you tracking ability but not 100% sure.

I've had packages take 3 weeks on domestic shipping so at this point I wouldn't be too concerned.

Ins. claim info
driver's avatar
driver
750 posts
 
Some elaboration. I work for a USPS contractor & PP sometimes gets 'if there's room' service, meaning once the higher priced items (rate wise) are loaded to a particular destination, if there's room, they'll load the lesser priced stuff. I've seen periodicals & other 3rd & 4th class stuff sit for a week. My guess is your package got mixed in with some *slow* mail.

To try & calm your buyer, maybe you can scan the ins. receipt & email him a copy. The bar code portion of the receipt is on the package & you can check to see if it has been delivered by doing the following:

A record of delivery is maintained for insured mail by the US Postal Service; however, this information is not available online or via a toll free number. If you would like a copy of your delivery record, please visit your local Post Office and complete PS Form 3811-A. Request for Return Receipt After Mailing. The fee for this service is $3.50
driver's avatar
driver
750 posts
 
I think your concerns are valid and I would restate the fact that you shipped the item to him per his instructions & note he has to abide by the rules set forth by the PO. He simply has to accept the fact there are time constraints imposed by the USPS.

I would wait the full 30 days (if necessary) then file the claim & find out the exact procedure, specifically, what would happen if you filed the claim & the package was delivered? Could you get it back, would USPS be responsible for it, etc.? Not sure of USPS policy once a claim has been filed, so it's in your best interest to get all the details. I would not let the buyer bully me into making a rash decision & if he threatens a neg. then so be it.

As for documentation, print out copies of all emails & any other correspondence you have with him or anything related to this transaction, including names & #'s of people you talk to at the PO.

As for shipping, if he does receive it & simply wants his money back, I'd do whatever it takes to get my gear back. It's a small price to pay compared to the DAC itself. Hope it works out.
More to discover