USPS lost Package

[Uncle Willie]

Unless of course they have a disclaimer of responsibility like this
From their web page Shipping and Handling
USPS offers speedy and reliable service at a low cost. However, they can and will occasionally make the mistake of mis-routing or losing a package. Unfortunately these errors are out of our control and we are not responsible for errors or delays by USPS.

It's up the the merchants decision of good customer service as to wether they will replace the items. They may be of assistance with helping to track the package. I've never dealt with this company, so I make no claim to know how they would react to a lost package. However, their policy is clearly "we are not responsible." And I've shipped products world wide for over 30 years, that's why there's freight insurance. The vendor is never responsible after it's shipped unless that is stated in the terms of the contract/purchase order. It's the shipping companies responsibility.

The disclaimer means nothing .. as you know, Credit Card transactions are allowed to be disputed if the customer has a problem that is not resolved by the vendor .. like I said, I've sold mail order for 35 years, I know full well how it works .. and I'm guessing you do to with your experience ..

Of course, if the customer paid with cash or a check, the disclaimer may work, but then you run the risk of a report to the Better Business bureau ..

These are all reasons insurance should be purchased from USPS, which, unfortunately, most vendors won't do because it costs money .. so, most will roll the dice figuring that if 1 out of 1000 packages got lost or damaged, they are still ahead money wise even when the order is replaced or refunded since USPS insurance runs $1.65 per $50.00 .. pretty much Mail Order 101 ..

 

[Uncle Willie]

i'm not trying to be an ..., but if the vendor is ultimately responsible, why is the option to insure the package available?

First, the contract you have when you place any mail order is between you and the vendor .. the customer does not enter a contract with the carrier, in this case USPS .. that contract is between the vendor and USPS .. if optional insurance is purchased, it protects both the vendor and the customer .. without insurance, the vendor is still responsible for your order, since your contract is with the vendor ..

Also, keep in mind that if optional insurance is purchased by the customer or the vendor, and a package is lost, assuming USPS pays (which is a big if) .. and the vendor then replaces the order and collects insurance, it's actually a double profit, since 2 orders have then been filled ..

 

[serenity21899]

I have had 3 missing packages in 2 weeks, but they all eventually showed up. Even though the post office could not locate them and the tracking was never updated after the initial drop off at the post office.

 

[nosaint]

The disclaimer means nothing .. as you know, Credit Card transactions are allowed to be disputed if the customer has a problem that is not resolved by the vendor .. like I said, I've sold mail order for 35 years, I know full well how it works .. and I'm guessing you do to with your experience ..

Of course, if the customer paid with cash or a check, the disclaimer may work, but then you run the risk of a report to the Better Business bureau ..

These are all reasons insurance should be purchased from USPS, which, unfortunately, most vendors won't do because it costs money .. so, most will roll the dice figuring that if 1 out of 1000 packages got lost or damaged, they are still ahead money wise even when the order is replaced or refunded since USPS insurance runs $1.65 per $50.00 .. pretty much Mail Order 101 ..

we may very well be arguing reality vs. law. (or perhaps size matters) The orders I ship are in the thousands of dollars not $30 to $100 or there about. I know AMEX is excellent on taking the card holders word and reversing any charges, after that, I have my doubts. (one reason many vendors don't take AMEX, aside from the increased discount AMEX imposes) Yes, I think the disclaimer would stand up in court, but will a company hire an attorney to dispute a $100 claim? unlikely. Would my master card reverse charges if a vendor could show that they shipped the product according to the stated agreement? I have real doubts about that. FOB origin vs. FOB destination have real legal definitions. The vendor in this case is stating FOB origin, now is it worth his effort/expense to dispute a claim?

As for the BBB, it's a joke. It's NOT a consumer protection organization. As long as the company can show they conducted themselves in accordance with their stated policy, the BBB will "resolve" the conflict with no adverse rating on the company, in my experience. Face it, the BBB depends upon companies paying dues and joining it, so whose side are they on?

We are so off topic here that it's probably not worth much more, we've both stated our opinion, but only a court case could fully resolve this. feel free to have the last word (really, no malice implied) and finally let me know if you ever want to hear my story about how I got screwed on shipping to Saudi Arabia 8-o (hint:they're all crooks)

 

[tammyh]

I enjoy watching this debate and informational too.

 

[tammyh]

Okay it finally reached my sort facility late last night. Seems it hung out at the NY sort F for 2 days before being shipped. Maybe the post office guys were charging the battery for me.

 

[Mariss716]

I wouldn't worry. From NY to FL takes 2 days or more oftentimes. Was it sent Priority? Parcel? You haven't even said. Anyway, you're panicking prematurely. Hang tight, my friend.

 

[jdrewry]

USPS is notorious for not having up-to-date tracking info available. In the morning, you may not see any updates on your package, then, in the evening, it's all updated. I'm waiting on a package from them myself, due today. Early this morning, my package was sitting in Bethpage, NY; right now, the tracking info says it's "Out for Delivery".

Unless it's been sitting at Bethpage for a week, I wouldn't worry about it too much; it'll get to you soon.

 

[BostonVape]

i thought the same thing when it was 5 days for my package.. but it came on the 6th
dont worry and contact vendor..i was worried myself but everything came through finally


my vendor actually contacted USPS for me.. and said they would open the claim if I didnt receive after 7 days..

some packages just don't get scanned or get missed and thats why theres no update.

 

[RichardV]

After what I recently went thru with USPS I have no doubt that they can & will lose most anything. I January I deposited my POBox payment in the inbox of of the post office concerned, in their envelope addressed to "Postmaster". To date they still have not received it!

 

[Riverboat]

after 7 days, assuming express mail, you can file a claim here:
https://www.usps.com/ship/file-insurance-claims.htm

The vendor has no responsibility after it's shipped, so contacting them will probably not get you far.

I ordered 3 HH357 attys from Avid Vapor... The package was scaned in NY and never showed movement...
After 2 weeks the USPS reported it as officially lost... Avid Vapor did send me the replacements for free...
Needless to say 3 weeks later the lost shipment showed up in my mailbox....

 

[rand4ll]

I have had 3 missing packages in 2 weeks, but they all eventually showed up. Even though the post office could not locate them and the tracking was never updated after the initial drop off at the post office.

If the package is not express...aka, first class or priority, the number they give is not really tracking in the same terms as UPS or FedEx. It is called 'delivery confirmation' for q reason. Sure it can be sorta used like tracking usually, but it is not reliable.

I have had packages arrive and never get past electronic notification. Also have had packages be delivered and then when they finally update show the delivery date as the day before.

All in all, USPS delivery confirmation system is not nearly sufficient for true tracking of a package...it may say it is at one facility and be at another or on a plane/truck but never shows it left the facility...

 

[badnam]

ok folks, i have a similar issue...., over the weekend i purchased a provari from another member here on ecf, they shipped it out on friday, yesterday I received the package only to find a tear in the package and no provari. the seller did not insure the package. what are my options.

I was thinking of going to the local post office to tell them that the package was missing its contents.