I sold a $100 brand new Boost Mobile phone on eBay, ship via USPS Priority Mail and was delivered.
Next day I got and message from buyer that she didn't received the phone and asked me why leaving the value item at the front door? I checked the tracking number and yes, USPS left it at the front door.
- I google the address and it is in a middle to high class area.
- I send buyer a message to apologized for that happen and and ask buyer couple questions like check with family member, neighbors and contact the mail man or local USPS office.
- Buyer replied that buyer leave there alone and will check with local USPS office.
- I email buyer said that the package send via USPS Priority Mail and it come with Insurance so don't worry, buyer will receive and other phone after fill out couple form from USPS. No reply from buyer
- I then email buyer next day and attach the picture of the phone ESN number and the shipping label and let buyer know that I contact Boost Mobile to investigate on the phone ESN.
- I check the ESN on Boost Mobile website and it just activated on the day that the package arrived and still pending for the porting process.
- I email buyer again and let buyer know that whoever stole the buyer phone did tried to activated the phone and I'm working with Boost Mobile to find out what phone number attach to that activated account and will contact local police and report this matter.
Buyer never contact me again even I email and ask if the buyer go to local USPS and report the problem
Hopfully buyer don't come back again. It has been almost 10 days now
The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to TonyAlmeida For This Useful Post:
That is the PERFECT way to handle this situation! Sometimes newbies think that it is easy to scam sellers by simply saying they never got the item. They think twice, however, when they have to sign a form for the insurance that gives the warning about making false statements. Or in the case of a mobile phone that it was activated and the carrier is investigating. Then, suddenly, they reply the miraculously found it!
I ship anything that costs over $150 with signature confirmation, unless it is to a regular customer. There are just too many scammers out there these days.
I can also say that I have been using eBay since about July of 1995, so nearly 20 years now. During those 20 years, I have bought THOUSANDS of items on eBay. Everything from computers, to office supplies, shipping equipment and supplies, etc. In ALL THAT TIME, I have only had items go missing maybe 3 times! So,it is VERY UNUSUAL for a buyer to REALLY not have received their items.
I can also say that I have been using eBay since about July of 1995, so nearly 20 years now. During those 20 years, I have bought THOUSANDS of items on eBay. Everything from computers, to office supplies, shipping equipment and supplies, etc. In ALL THAT TIME, I have only had items go missing maybe 3 times! So,it is VERY UNUSUAL for a buyer to REALLY not have received their items.
I had a package that I sent to a buyer that got lost for 2 weeks. Called USPS to file a claim when it was a week past delivery date and they said post master will call within 48 hours. Never called...they never do. Magically 2 weeks after I shipped, it showed up at its destination. Otherwise, getting "lost" or "delayed" for 4-5 days has happened. So I too can attest to the probability of the item not arriving is slim. However, theft does happen...whether it be by the employees or some Joe Schmoe coming to your door and yanking your package.
That is the PERFECT way to handle this situation! Sometimes newbies think that it is easy to scam sellers by simply saying they never got the item. They think twice, however, when they have to sign a form for the insurance that gives the warning about making false statements. Or in the case of a mobile phone that it was activated and the carrier is investigating. Then, suddenly, they reply the miraculously found it!
I ship anything that costs over $150 with signature confirmation, unless it is to a regular customer. There are just too many scammers out there these days.
Anything over $100 for me. There's always an exception...like if the item is rare, hard to find, collectible, etc. Anything worth its weight gets signature confirmation.
Some eBay buyer tied to scam me :) 
