USPS advice sought
 

Hi all,

Bought some game used Yankees stuff. It wasn’t particularly pricey (~$50 total), but were items that I’ve been looking for a long time and cannot easily replace. I purchased them through eBay. The package was delivered today and I couldn’t wait to get it. Unfortunately, it showed up in a clear plastic bag with an apology note on it—the box was crush/ripped open and there was nothing in it. I contacted my local post office and they don’t have the items. What can/should I do? I want the items but realize that might not happen and just not sure what to do next. I notified the seller with the hope they may have some luck on their end.

Chris

Sounds like someone working at the post office stole your item.

They way the box was damaged it looked to me like it got caught in something and ripped open, but who knows. My letter carrier is a great guy, so whatever happened must of happened before him. These weren’t particularly desirable to anyone but me and a few other nuts though I’m sure.

There may be a way to fill out a report online. Probably nothing will come of it but you never know. I doubt anyone stole it.

When the items are found, they're likely to be sold in a bulk bin on the unclaimed property website. There is also a lost/missing items store about 100 miles north of Atlanta where some of the items may go. But both options are a needle in a haystack. Best to set additional eBay saved searches and hope they get listed again.

I just had the same thing happen a few months ago. I filled out the form and sent pictures of the items. Received info this week that they are still looking.
The 2 items (totaling about $80) are gone forever.

I have had the USPS Inspector General's Office work out an issue for me in the past.

https://www.uspsoig.gov/form/file-online-complaint

I’m sorry most likely you’re SOL hopefully the seller had insurance.

Sorry to hear it. Especially something that is a desirable item that you wanted.
Hopefully it works but I am afraid that it is a loss

Had a similar thing happen to me several years ago. Basically the Post Office sent me a plastic bag that said "So Sorry, your stuff is gone".

Probably only a $40-50 purchase, but it was a nice stack of rare older boxing memorabilia from an obscure fighter, that could never be replaced.

Seller refunded me right away, but I would have probably paid more then double for the Post Office to have delivered to me, the undamaged package, rather then get a refund.

I filed all the proper paperwork, but no luck in the end.

Thank you. Fortunately, the seller refunded me and it turns out he has a replacement for one of the items, which is nice. I just hope I can track down the other again—it was a nice pine tar stick from the Yankees from 2020, not valuable but had a really cool saying written on it and was for sale for a great price. Such is life I guess.