USPS Priority Mail Package marked as delivered but buyer says not found

[bringbackelon]

I sold item for $70 shipped. I shipped via USPS Priority Mail, no extra insurance added so I just have coverage up to $50 (I purchased item for more than that, selling it at a loss). Tracking shows package was delivered but buyer claims package was not found. It's been a couple week already so it's not likely to turn up. The item is out of stock now so I won't be abel to locate another one to send to the buyer.

We've both filed claims with USPS. What usually happens in such a case and how long will it take USPS to refund me? Given it's a government entity, I'm thinking it'll take months for them to pay this claim assuming they don't deny it? Will USPS refund me shipping postage as well so I'd get back $50 + postage?

Given I met PayPal's Seller Protection requirements as it was shipped via a trackable method to the confirmed address, do I need to involve PayPal at all? Would PayPal reimburse me the full amount the buyer paid?

[DPCreations · Accepted solution]

The package was officiailly delivered to the destiination address, so the USPS would no accept a claim of non-delivery; it was delivered.

The USPS is not obligated to get the package into the hands of the receipient--just to the delivery point.  Recipient is responsible for all security of the delivery point.  If custome cannot locate the package, customer should contact local post off about specifics of delivery; if theft is suspected, customer should file a theft report.

If buyer files a claim for refund through PayPa for non-delivery, the claim fail because tracking shows delivery.

As a seller, you have no obligation to refund.

In future, if you want to make sure item gets into the hands of the buyer, pay for signature confirmation by recipient.

[bringbackelon]

Somehow hearing that a buyer filing a claim against a seller will lose the case seems foreign to me as it seems like buyers always prevail. I hope you're right. Thanks for the the reply.

[DPCreations]

Buyer prevails is the item is not registered as delivered.  In this case all records show it is delivered, assuming you provided PayPal with the tracking number when you updated the shipping record for the transaction.  If already documented the tracking number with the transaction, PayPal will automatically close the dispute IF it is for non-delivery.

[bringbackelon]

Update: Less than 24 hours after filing the claim, as predicted it was denied: Denied - Records indicate delivery of article