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

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.

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.

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.

If the package fails to materialize, fill out the form on the usps website. Usps will wait a period of time. If the package fails to materialize, you will receive the insured value plus shipping fees. If memory serves…..

If I was paid I’d assume buyer received their product. Complicating or creating an issue at this point could very well give people ideas. 

Cheers