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USPS will now allow for you to electronically waive signatures on a selective basis
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They got it right, for once.
Enroll in the new electronic signature program, and you can selectively waive a signature on any package incoming. At first, I thought I would be waiving all signatures, and didn't want to use it, but when I realized it was selective, I was all for it.
If I'm not mistaken, shippers will be allowed to forbid specific packages from being e-signed.
Any thoughts on this?
Early American Copper, Bust and Seated.
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I think this is fine as long as you are also waiving all liability for the shipper. Are you also waiving any USPS insurance present on the item? And, if you are waiving all liability for the shipper and or USPS, are you sure you want to do it?
I appreciate choice, so I would like the option as a receiver. On the other hand, as a shipper of thousands of packages a year, if you waive signature and then claim there is a problem, I will fight you on a refund or a return. And, frankly, eBay and PayPal may also fight you on a claim [although not as hard as I would like] because there is no signature.
read all the small print to get answers.
Debating.
This was always my go-to when I want to ensure “someone” gets an important package. When I receive a signature required item then usually it’s important, valuable, or it’s family and they don’t know what they are doing.
Being selective on the item is a good thing. Will probably sign-up after reading the “fine” print.
Not available in my location. :-(
Link?
signature requirement is a choice by the shipper to protect the shipper. Recipient should not be able to alter shipper's protection without waiving all future claims to non-delivery.
No Way Out: Stimulus and Money Printing Are the Only Path Left
I got the email invite and signed up.
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
USPS ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE ONLINE
USPS Electronic Signature Online™ is integrated with Informed Delivery® and allows you to keep an electronic signature on file with USPS for a year. You can apply this electronic signature to incoming packages that require a signature (Priority Mail Express®, Signature Confirmation™, or items insured for over $500) and have them delivered when you are not home to sign in person. Your carrier will leave your packages in your mailbox or at a preferred delivery location if they are too large for your mailbox.
When you create your USPS Electronic Signature Online, it will be saved to your USPS.com account. To use the feature, simply log in to your Informed Delivery dashboard, view your incoming packages, and apply your electronic signature to any eligible packages. Access and manage all of your USPS Electronic Signature Online settings via your USPS.com Preferences page or your Informed Delivery dashboard.
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
Available in my locale & signed up for it.
According to EcommerceBytes:
The merchant will have an option to block the eSignature option to the recipient of a package if they want a physical signature by indicating on the Shipping Services File (SSF) that they do not want to use the addressee’s USPS Electronic Signature Online™.
https://www.ecommercebytes.com/2019/10/03/electronic-signatures-coming-to-usps-deliveries/
From the USPS Terms and Conditions:
When using USPS Electronic Signature Online and choosing to apply that signature to a particular item being delivered to Your address, you acknowledge and agree that You are authorizing the Postal Service to leave the item addressed to You or others in Your household, in your mailbox if it fits or where you indicate in your profile if the item is too large for your mailbox, and to include your electronic signature in a proof of delivery letter available to the sender. In such instances, You agree to release the Postal Service and the sender of the item from all liability, including but not limited to for loss or misdelivery of the package.
No idea how eBay and PayPal are going to deal with a nondelivery issue when it occurs.
Since recipient is agreeing to apply his electronic signature for items he does not sign for at time of delivery, "proof of delivery" will still include his signature (electronic) and should be honored by ebay and paypal. I have for a long time purchased "electronic return receipt" at the counter (instead of using the signature required postal form) with all of my registered shipments as it provides an online electronic copy of the actual signature obtained at time of delivery. This electronic signature can be viewed on-line and has been used to decide claims in my favor in the past. No reason this "new" form of electronic signature should be treated any differently by paypal and ebay.
USPS link to the new electronic signature
I personally will not be providing an "advance" signature for deliveries. I prefer to have the package presented to me before acceptance. There have been cases of damage/pilfaraging that enabled me to decline acceptance and have item returned to sender. Without an actual acceptance (signature) by me I can avoid the hassle of claims/disputes etc.
My other concern: "You agree to release the Postal Service and the sender of the item from all liability, including but not limited to for loss or misdelivery of the package." What if I open the package and the item is damaged? When I actually sign for an item being put in my hands I do not waive my option of future claims.
No Way Out: Stimulus and Money Printing Are the Only Path Left
Of course not. OTOH, I wouldn't be making any bets just yet. But that's just me.
I will not be doing it.
Sign-up was easy.
Doubting I’ll use it for high value or important documents. I like having those hand delivered to me and signing for them and not left at the front door.
Now to get someone in the family to spend the $ and send some innocuous (cheap) item that requires a signature.