Tracking Says Delivered - But Customer Has Not Received Item?

[wingzrow]

So how do I handle this? The tracking number says it was delivered to her address but they are claiming they have no package. This is a first for me. Even if I win the case, which i should if one opens up because I have a tracking number PROVING it was delivered, i fear I will receive negative feedback anyway.

Would appreciate some thoughts on the matter.

[Kitsune Sniper]

What my postal workers said:

D/C doesn't prove delivery. It proves it arrived at the post office in town and that's it.

[APE992]

USPS is not UPS is not FedEx is not DHL, etc.

Delivery confirmation basically confirms delivery was made, never that it arrived at a post office. At least not in my experience. Usually says when it arrived at a nearby mail distribution center (my delivery confirmation bits will say my mail has arrived in Richmond, CA the day before it gets delivered) and then again updates with the time/day the box is left on my door step.

Possibilities:
Person did receive the box but is lying to get to keep the item AND get their money back (I prefer not to think ill of people but still)
Someone stole the package.
Neighbor is holding onto the package (drivers are known to do this).
Neighbor lied and is holding onto the package.
Package is in the bushes.
Package is behind something on the doorstep and the residents are too stupid to look.
Resident is stupid and didn't check enough places.
Resident is a moron.
Driver lied and threw it off a bridge into a river.
Driver scanned the wrong box but didn't correct the mistake, still sitting on truck.

Etc.

Personally I'd say "hey look it says it was delivered" and run from there. PayPal will probably say "hrm but they said it didn't" or "hrm but you could've just shipped a brick" and refund their money.

My suggestion is to hope you tied your PayPal account to a credit card and when PayPal tries to take your money do a chargeback on them. Make your credit card company fight them tooth and nail, then realize that PayPal will just close your account and you'll never be able to use eBay without faking credentials again.

[ownerizer]

I do ALOT of reselling on eBay, all sorts of things, not just video games AND ship internationally on top of that. I've sent things to Japan, the UK, Canada, alot of stuff to Australia, and even Latvia. The only things I've never had delivered were 4 packages, on 4 different occasions to Brazil and Mexico. I will never ship to Central or South America ever again. I think it's mainly because of the corruption down there, and the contents of the box printed on the international shipping label.

Sorry for the rant, I say, depending on the value of the item (less than $30), ask your buyer to give it a week, and if it dosen' t show, refund their money. Your reputation is worth way more than $30.

[Kitsune Sniper]

No worries, I live in Mexico and you're right, the postal service is full of thieves down here. :P