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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
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.
inna
7,354 posts
 
Couple of times it showed as delivered but in fact was delivered next day. I also had packages delivered to me that were not mine. I simply delivered them to the recepient. That was UPS, though. But my first exampe was USPS. So maybe you'll get it tomorrow.
jnovak's avatar
jnovak
434 posts
 
Hi joecasey, Because without someone signing for it, who says it was delivered at all? Even though the USPS says so, Paypal will side with the buyer IF seller can't provide proof of receipt. Even if insurance is bought and a signed receipt is at hand it still may come back to bite the seller if he didn't follow ALL the rules by packing to correct specs. When selling it is absolutely necessary to follow the selling websites rules as well as the shipping companies rules and last but not least, Paypals. Fall short of any of these and a seller can kiss his money goodbye. 
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