2. amps-preamps
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Newbie seller

I've sold some audio equipment for the first time and am a little perplexed at what is happening.  Would appreciate comments so I can avoid problems again.

First time out was intentionally low risk: Schiit Modi 3 and Vali 2 for $175 on US Audio.  PayPal, buyer pays shipping.  Insurance was through US Audio's recommended 3rd party insurer.  Original packaging, plenty of pictures. 

I was immediately contacted by a guy in Portland.  He has about 25 purchases on record at USAudio, mostly of Schiit products.  Good seller comments.  I issued the invoice and he paid via PayPal.  However, because I am a first time seller PayPal put a hold on the funds pending proof of delivery.

Next day 6/23 I shipped via USPS parcel select, adult signature required.  Tracking shows item got to Portland 6/29, moved around Portland USPS facilities until 7/2, then nothing.  Never even went out for delivery. 

To my surprise on 7/15 PayPal released the funds to my account.  I filed a missing package form with USPS but they haven't found the package.  Can't submit an insurance claim until 7/23 (30 days).  Not a peep from the buyer! 

I'm perplexed at that.  I plan on filing an insurance claim on Saturday, even though I have the money.  As I understand it the buyer has plenty of time to file a claim with PayPal saying he never got delivery, and rightly so.  Would you guys have done things differently?  There's not much at stake here, but if I sell (or buy) anything of substantial value I want to do it right and minimize my risk.  Comments are appreciated.

Ag insider logo xs@2xtreepmeyer
thecarpathian
4,185 posts
 

Are you just trusting the post office tracking system?

Have you contacted the buyer to see if he received it?

You didn’t hear a peep from the buyer, maybe he got the package.

Contact the guy and find out!

Oh, shoot. Sorry, didn't read dill's post until I wrote this.

Well darnit, I'm posting it anyway!!

lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,397 posts
 

So true. The USPS tracking system very often doesn't update. I wouldn't be surprised if the buyer has the item. Don't you think he would have contacted you if he didn't receive it?

cfa88's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
cfa88
101 posts
 

That's why I rarely use USPS when shipping valuable item.  But if I do, I would use USPS priority.  Tracking seems to be unreliable when using USPS Parcel Select.  Just my experience.

blisshifi's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
blisshifi
1,124 posts
 

Agree the package likely was delivered and tracking wasn't updated. USPS is the worst. As a dealer, I only ship gear with Fedex if I can (unless using third-party logistics solutions). Even UPS is more likely to damage items in transit.

tksteingraber's avatar
tksteingraber
538 posts
 

Fyi-  I have sold vacuum tubes that were shipped USPS to Portland and I never received confirmation that they were delivered.  I contacted the buyer and confirmed that were delivered days ago.  Thus may bd a common issue in Portland.

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