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Missing shipment

I recently made a purchase for $860 for a used item from a private seller. The seller shipped USPS Priority Mail. USPS tracking says that it was delivered. It was not by my door that day or for the next 3 days. This is the very first time in my many years of buying/selling that a package has gone missing. I live in a safe neighborhood. The seller did not insure it. We did not discuss insurance. I assumed that he would do so since $860 is a significant sum. He has 100% positive feedback – as do I. I’ll be filing a ’missing mail’ report with the USPS in the hopes that it will be located. But, since it wasn’t insured, will I be stuck with this loss?
steakster
tls49's avatar
tls49
1,351 posts
 
If an item is insured for at least $200 with USPS, then it will automatically require a signature.

"We did not discuss insurance. I assumed that he would do so since $860 is a significant sum."

Even if the other person was a good friend, I would never assume anything. These days it's best to make sure every "i" is dotted and every "t" is crossed.

I would never have something delivered when no one was home. Ship to work or have it held at the shipper for pick up.
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,832 posts
 
OP - I have made purchases or had equipment delivered without insurance and have never had trouble.  I would go ahead with the "missing mail" report.  I would find out from the seller the size and appearance of the package.  I have heard of people having success doing this and sincerely hope you will be one of them!

Alll the best!

PS  Check with the seller to be sure he had your address information exactly right.  That's a big deal.  If he did possibly mess up you could include the information about the possible mailing mistake to the PO to help the USPS hunt down your package.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
I had this happen to me several years back and thought the package was stolen.
Turns out that USPS delivered the package to the wrong address, about 5 houses down the street. I forget how long it took, but it was several days until I got my package.
jnovak's avatar
jnovak
434 posts
 
I always thought the package was the shippers responsibility until delivered safely to the recipient. If a buyer says he didn't receive something, isn't the shipper required to show proof of the shipment? It's what Paypal says that matters. They're very liberal with buyers. I always ship insured. Joe 
joecasey
484 posts
 
jnovak

I always thought the package was the shippers responsibility until delivered safely to the recipient. If a buyer says he didn't receive something, isn't the shipper required to show proof of the shipment? It's what Paypal says that matters. They're very liberal with buyers. I always ship insured. Joe
OP has tracking# but didn't schedule for anyone to be home day of delivery.  If stolen off his property, why is it shipper's responsibility?  What's the point getting tracking#?

For anything reasonably expensive, I always arrange for someone home for deliver.
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