ASE Mia

I have experienced the same issue before with the tracking showing out for delivery but then never kicks over to delivered. When it happened the receiver always got their package. So I have to imagine in that scenario the mail carrier forgot to scan, scanner wasnt working at the moment, barcode impaired, etc.

One scenario that worries me in this situation (not saying this is what happened to you, but its possible) is if by some chance this event is paired with a less than honest buyer. Suppose they received the package but noticed that the tracking says otherwise. They are free to file a claim, you'll be the one out of pocket and there is not much to do about it.

As far as where to go from here, If you were calling the "800" number for the USPS, try searching out the direct line to the local post office that was the one that should have delivered it. They would likely be the most helpful. I did this once and somehow they were able to confirm it was delivered and next day the online tracking reflected the update. You might also find out the package was damaged and sitting there, some other unexpected scenario, or they could also have no idea. But considering thats all you can do with them, its worth a shot just to know.

Beyond that, as far as looking for someone to give you some form of compensation whether it be the USPS, PayPal or ebay, I think you are simply out when it comes to uninsured first class mail. As stated above, since an ebay case has been opened about all you can do is state what happened in the case and provide them the tracking info (which you probably have done long ago anyway).

While I completely understand how frustrating this can be, there is a slight bright side that this happened on a shipment of a single ASE. While no one wants to lose $30, it could have been worse. Please post the final outcome (if you dont mind). I am curious the stance that eBay/PayPal will take considering you clearly shipped it but did not arrive (maybe).

Thanks for the info JJHFL and you can believe I considered a dishonest buyer but there's no way to ever prove that. He has 100% positive feedback and has been buying a lot of single ASEs lately.

This morning I filed a complaint with the PO and also noticed ebay had released the hold on the funds they had so I'm thinking they're not holding me responsible, since the package clearly disappeared between his PO and mailbox.

Even with that I will issue the buyer a refund once I hear back from him but I do worry the coin will eventually show up and I'll be out both. And you're right about not expecting any reimbursement, I'm sure that will never happen.

I guess with all the packages I mail I'm bound to have a problem once in a while and I am thankful it was only a $32 coin. I always insure high value items.

Rick

Well, ebay is not holding me responsible nor is the buyer. He is physically dealing with the post office there and my complaint has at least been addressed and they're looking into it. If the coin doesn't turn up at his PO there's no telling where it is.

The coin was mailed in a padded envelope and bubble wrapped so there was no way to know what it was. I still plan to reimburse the guy if the coin doesn't reappear, I can't imagine ebay paying for it.

Rick

I am going through a similar situation except I'm on the buyer's end of the problem.

I won an auction on ebay for an 1899 Barber quarter on 9/10/13. On 9/11/13, the seller had the package shipped. I've been tracking it and for the last several days I have not seen an update. It's as if it got half way here and then disappeared.

I'm going to give it a few more days until I contact the seller and inform him that the coin was never delivered.

Personally, I've never had any issues with the USPS. It is always the private carriers that I have had issues with.

Last year as I was pulling into my driveway, a UPS truck was heading out in the opposite direction. I have one of those circular driveways.

Anyway, I was going to chase him down because I knew exactly what he was delivering and I wanted it that day. As I rolled past my front door, I noticed a large package on my doorstep.

Instead of keeping the package and trying to deliver it the next day when I was home, he dropped off a $2000 Gibson SG electric guitar when nobody was at home!

Well the buyer has closed the case, the coin never showed up and is lost in space somewhere. I went ahead and issued the buyer a full refund though I wasn't required to so I'm out the $31.20, thanks USPS, and you want even MORE money?

I guess with all the packages I mail it was bound to eventually happen, glad it was only one ASE. I sure would like to see the private carries get into the mailing business, the PO would either improve customer service or fold up.

Thanks all for the advice and input.

Rick

Unbelievable !! I now have yet another package that has disappeared somewhere between the buyer's PO and his mailbox. This one's a priority mail small flat rate box containing model airplane engine parts.

Same as last time, the package went "out for delivery" and hours later was listed as "delivery status not updated", and hasn't been heard from since.

I have been buying and selling on ebay for a decade and never had a package disappear, now 2 within a month! Surely another rate increase will aleaviate this issue !!

Rick