Lost Package in Mail System? How do you handle it

[kbolster12345]

Okay here's the situation. I have a trade with someone with plenty of good trade references, it's a relatively small trade, and the person is keeping very good contact with me.

Problem is that he said he mailed his end of the trade several weeks ago. It's not international or anything that might slow down the package. We have agreed to wait untill the end of the June to give it time to show up somewhere incase it is lost somewhere.

So my question is what happens or should happen if he really mailed his end of the bargain and for some reason the package is lost? Doesn't seem right that he chalks it up as a loss but at the same time it shouldn't be a loss for me either. Anyone have any suggestions?

EDIT: I sent my package and he recieved it.

[mardaddy601]

This whole forum and the deals made within are based solely on trust.

Sender's should ALWAYS protect themselves by sending w/Delivery Confirm. I am one of those who feels that DC does nothing really for the recipient, it is a protection tool for the sender.

That being said, I also feel that insurance does nothing ofr the sender, it is to protect the recipient, and if the recipient decided to take their chances by NOT getting insurance, well, it's all on them/us.

(And I myself have failed to get insurance on some small shipments that are now lost out there for a few weeks ---- so even those giving advise are not immune! )

[Sandy Death]

Hi,
I always specify the type of shipping method and emphasize careful packing. For large deals a delivery confirmation number is asked for.

I once did a deal on eBay and the seller used a service for shipping. Even though I specified USPS Priority and he agreed to it , the third party used "slow boat/mule train. The package took over two weeks to arrive.

The big thing I (and you) in our favor is that the guy remains in contact and wants to make things right.


So just hang in there and the package may show up.

Ralph

[blackgriff1]

It just goes to show that the gamers with the most figures....work for the post office!!

blackgriff1

[bluetablepainting]

I would say I have extensive experience with this. I send hundreds of packages each month and I think there's less than a 0.01% chance of a package truly going missing. I can't remember a single package I've sent going missing. A few foreign packages with HUGE delays, yes. I use mostly USPS. Aaaanyway, there are some things you can do: go to your local Post Office (or UPS Store) and ask for help. There's a department for lost packages. Sometimes an address label is ripped off partially by accident, obscured, not taped on right, or misprinted. Which leads to... check with your neighbors and see if they got your package by mistake. Some people are to lazy/busy to track you down. Also, if you live in an apartment, check with the manager. Dorms are the worst, you should check lost and found. Delivery Confirmation is a must, that's tracking. Tracking is good. --Shawn PS- I have two brothers-in-law who work for the USPS, and they said that every package is airborne for at least ten feet at least once during their journey. I pack my stuff to survive that one 3-point shot!

[JohnHwangBT]

IMO DC is important for *ALL* parties.

For the Recipient, it shows that *something* was mailed out, and when, and where it is. It lets you know when to expect something to arrive. I always feel better about Senders that give tracking numbers.

For the Sender, it is more important, because it gives some proof that the package didn't get lost by Shipper / Post.

For the Post / Shipper, it lets them know that somebody is paying attention, so they tend not to lose it...