I've sent a lot of packages internationally in the past. Usually, they are bags and big items that I would send out Express through USPS since it guarantees tracking. Sometimes I use Priority, and I find that I would get tracking as well using the customs form.
However, I sold a Balenciaga Wallet on Bonanza and it's a small item. Used the Priority small flat-rate box to have it shipped. I was turned away by the clerk because I filled out the wrong customs form (I'm use to filling out the bigger ones, but for a smaller item, it needs a smaller form, makes sense since the bigger one wouldn't fit on top of the small flat-rate priority box). On the bigger one, I had it claimed for $400 and insured for that amount as well. On the smaller one, there was no space for insurance and the clerk told me that with small flat-rate box, it can't be insured. I asked if there was tracking with it, and he said it may or may not track (which I thought was the standard answer, since with Priority they don't necessarily have to track it point-by-point but had good results with Priority in the past).
I've always had good experiences with USPS both Express and Priority International shipping and have shipped for years, so thought it would be okay. It was shipped on 11/30. On the USPS site, it would show that it was accepted in the system on 11/30 and was processed in my hometown facility on 12/1. That was the last update I had.
It's been past the 6-10 business day mark and no arrival yet. Even my express packages I sent to Australia 6 days ago haven already safely arrived (from my knowledge, express and priority would take around the same time, since it's the customs part that may take a while). I called USPS and was told that for priority small flat-rate boxes it doesn't provide tracking. Even when it arrives in the destination country, that country's postal service would not provide tracking either. But it will at least update to let me know it was delivered? I asked what my best plan of recourse is in case it doesn't arrive after 3-4 weeks. They told me to send another package
Am I just screwed? Would USPS not be able to provide my any help if it isn't trackable? Would paypal not back me up? I like to think of myself as a honest seller with good intentions... what would one do in this situation? Would I be responsible for its lost?
However, I sold a Balenciaga Wallet on Bonanza and it's a small item. Used the Priority small flat-rate box to have it shipped. I was turned away by the clerk because I filled out the wrong customs form (I'm use to filling out the bigger ones, but for a smaller item, it needs a smaller form, makes sense since the bigger one wouldn't fit on top of the small flat-rate priority box). On the bigger one, I had it claimed for $400 and insured for that amount as well. On the smaller one, there was no space for insurance and the clerk told me that with small flat-rate box, it can't be insured. I asked if there was tracking with it, and he said it may or may not track (which I thought was the standard answer, since with Priority they don't necessarily have to track it point-by-point but had good results with Priority in the past).
I've always had good experiences with USPS both Express and Priority International shipping and have shipped for years, so thought it would be okay. It was shipped on 11/30. On the USPS site, it would show that it was accepted in the system on 11/30 and was processed in my hometown facility on 12/1. That was the last update I had.
It's been past the 6-10 business day mark and no arrival yet. Even my express packages I sent to Australia 6 days ago haven already safely arrived (from my knowledge, express and priority would take around the same time, since it's the customs part that may take a while). I called USPS and was told that for priority small flat-rate boxes it doesn't provide tracking. Even when it arrives in the destination country, that country's postal service would not provide tracking either. But it will at least update to let me know it was delivered? I asked what my best plan of recourse is in case it doesn't arrive after 3-4 weeks. They told me to send another package
Am I just screwed? Would USPS not be able to provide my any help if it isn't trackable? Would paypal not back me up? I like to think of myself as a honest seller with good intentions... what would one do in this situation? Would I be responsible for its lost?
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