Anyone open a package in front of a Postal Worker to witness contents?UPDATE;;

Coinlearner

Over the weekend bought a Saint Gaudians for 900. The seller offered alot of same coins with same pictures. Others are wondering if delivery will happen. Some filed with Paypal,myself included, to cover the purchase. Seller just got a bunch of negs.Will put the item bought up, if delivery does not happen.......... Once I get the package will the post office allow me to open in front of a worker,for a possible empty box?.......Got a bad "feeling" about this sale

PerryHall

No, but it sounds like a really good idea.

guitarwes

yes, they'll allow you to open it in front of them. (at least mine will) I had them witness me open a package that was torn on one end big enough for coins to slid out. It's always good to have a witness.

Hope this turns out well.

-wes

coinspeak

yes open the box in front of a usps person or fedx or other.

I got an empty box and it took 2 months to get my money credited back to my card from the USM

blu62vette

I know a member did it when very suspicious and got a modern nickel instead of a rather pricey coin. Not sure how to search for that one.....

Coinlearner

....Thanks will ask them to.......If seller contacts me over the claim(Hold on funds) with also inform of the opening of box.....Paypal will cover for nondelivery, given their "new and improved" buyer protection.

TomB

Ask if you may tape the opening with a handheld camcorder, too.

airplanenut

Yup... I'm still working to recover my money on this one. It was supposed to be a $25 Platinum. Notice that he made sure to insure it up to the value of the platinum. Jerk.

Coins101

I did once when I ordered some gold bullion. I don't think the Post Office clerk like it because it was during the lunch rush. But, what the heck, I have to work to just like everyone else, including the guy who was in front of me filling-out the registered letter - return receipt card.
Actually, if I decide to do it again, I will shift my lunch and go at a different time.

CertifiedGoldCoins

My bank is next door to the Post Office, and the VP is a Notary Public, who could witness and notarize my statement as to the contents of a package when I opened it, if I suspected fraud. I wouldn't bother with anyone at the Post Office, and if the package was opened, I wouldn't even go that far; I'd simply refuse it, and it would be returned to the sender.

Coins101

Judge Judy won't take a Notarized letter/statement as evidence.

mrearlygold

With a coin package? Sure, a few times.


But the best one of all was a fellow here on the forum that I've known for a long time who sent me a "package" to a place I lived at overseas. The postal person who did not speak english pointed to the package and indicated that I needed to open it in front of him. I did not "know" what was in the package. I opened it and grabbed inside to pull whatever it was out and out plops this big zip loc with green matter in it. It was a big bag of Cat Nip which was something we could not find for sale there

You should have seen the look on both our faces.

jessewvu

Yes they will. I recenlty did just that in front of my Post Master and Postal inspector. They were happy to do it and BOY am I glad I did!

PerryHall

The only problem that I see is you are giving up your privacy and are telling the Postal Worker that you collect rare coins.

jessewvu

<< <i>The only problem that I see is you are giving up your privacy and are telling the Postal Worker that you collect rare coins. >>



who cares? If someone wants to rob me, they will try. I don't tell anyone what my business is but I trust the postal workers and they ask how things are going from time to time. I don't talk about coins when people are behind me.

And one of my postal workers IS a coin collector. He even frequents this forum!!!!

LALASD4

<< <i>

<< <i>The only problem that I see is you are giving up your privacy and are telling the Postal Worker that you collect rare coins. >>



who cares? If someone wants to rob me, they will.

And one of my postal workers IS a coin collector. He even frequents this forum!!!! >>




No wonder coins disappear in the mail.

jessewvu

They never have disappeared. Only one jerk says the coins were not in the box he received. He lied about it plain and simple. The coins were delivered he just said they weren't. I doubt many honest people would want to lose their job over my piddly coins. I don't have anything of value left to sell and never really had many coins worth much at home anyway. Do you think all Bank managers should wear brown paper bags so nobody knows they have the keys to a bank?

JBTurner

Opening in front of a USPS employee or Notary Public (has to charge a fee based upon State) will not change the fact that if there is something worng the same claim process will have to be followed.... good idea though.

Bochiman

My postal employees (my delivery man and the gals that work at the local annex where I have to sign for packages) have an idea of what I get at times...though, it isn't always coins so there is no guarantee that I am signing for coins at any certain time, and so far, they really take care of me in a good way. Great people and I appreciate them. I also help them out with their computer questions and give advice in that area when asked.

I have only had 1 coin sent to me that had problems (ie...wasn't in the envelope) and, luckily, I was at the annex and noticed the small slit/hole in the reverse within steps of signing for it, and opened it in front of one of the gals where we noticed that, out of the 2 coins I had bought from a forum member, only 1 was in there. The other wrapping was still in the for the 2nd coin but you could see where the taped paper (wrap) had been removed, coin removed, then put back.
I was very glad that I was able to open it in front of here and I was ok with her knowing it was a coin (she had no idea of the value or anything).

I do wish the coin hadn't been stolen...from the pics I saw in the BST, it was a very nice looking large cent and I know my son would have appreciated it as much as I would have enjoyed it

To those that are concerned that a postal worker knows what you collect.....once you get it, unless there is a problem, they probably won't even remember your name even on the sheet you just signed...they are busy people and the majority are honest.
Also, you can open it, not show them what is there...especially if everything is OK (just tell them..."thanks, but everything is good. Have a great day"),

If you open it and there is a problem, you are right there so just turn around and show them what is there, or not there, and document it.

nankraut

<< <i>Judge Judy won't take a Notarized letter/statement as evidence. >>



SHUSH you!! I'm tawkin' heah! I'll tell you when you can tawk!

cars

I once purchased a gold bar and got in a disagreement with the seller. I was afraid he would send me a silver bar or something. I immed opened a PP dispute and called paypal to let them know the details. They told me to take package to Police station and open it or in front of notary public. Thankfully my G/F and I are both Notary publics so I didn't have to go far. I Would do it at a police station however if I felt there was a chance for fraud.

CertifiedGoldCoins

<< <i>Judge Judy won't take a Notarized letter/statement as evidence. >>

I think the VP of a bank would be a better witness than a PO clerk, but any proof of fraud is better than none.

Bochiman

<< <i>

<< <i>Judge Judy won't take a Notarized letter/statement as evidence. >>

I think the VP of a bank would be a better witness than a PO clerk, but any proof of fraud is better than none. >>



I think if I were worried about postal fraud, I would do it in front of a postal employee....but, hey, that's just me being logical

commoncents123

I had a $2500 box show up empty (90% silver) show up earlier this month. The box was stamped "received unsealed" I didn't have a chance to reject it because I sent my girlfriend after it with the sig. card. Last time I'll do that :

Coinlearner

.....Looks like my "bad feeling" about sale was right on. After claim filed.seller choose to refund $ in full,rather than ship "item." Since it ended in a none sale(for whatever reason),will not post sale but a search for/in completed "cheap" $20 listing may be a heads up/caution.

garsmith

If the package showed any signof damage yes; I wanted a witness to what was inside. Luckily haven't had any damaged goods yet (fingers crossed, knocking on wood, crossing myself 3 times)

ilikebuffaloes

I think the people at your local PO know more than you might think.

They know what catalogs you get, credit card offers, bills and other mail that can say something about you without ever opening it.

But I think most postal workers are honest and wouldn't risk jail and loss of job for stealing mail. I'm sure that they are also aware of colleagues that have been caught and prosecuted.

Just my 2¢

beartracks42

My postal route lady asked me last week "when are you all going to Florida"? I told her and asked why she wanted to know. She said "I will get a break from delivering all of your registered packages to the door".

19Lyds

I'm a little confused here. Exactly what happened?

Yesterday you stated (and asked): "Over the weekend bought a Saint Gaudians for 900. The seller offered alot of same coins with same pictures. Others are wondering if delivery will happen. Some filed with Paypal, myself included, to cover the purchase. Seller just got a bunch of negs. Will put the item bought up, if delivery does not happen.......... Once I get the package will the post office allow me to open in front of a worker,for a possible empty box?.......Got a bad "feeling" about this sale"

Indicating that you had not received the package, yet you filed a claim with Paypal because you suspected that the seller would ship an empty box?

Next you state: "....Thanks will ask them to.......If seller contacts me over the claim (Hold on funds) with also inform of the opening of box.....Paypal will cover for nondelivery, given their "new and improved" buyer protection."

and this morning you state: ".....Looks like my "bad feeling" about sale was right on. After claim filed, seller choose to refund $ in full, rather than ship "item." Since it ended in a none sale(for whatever reason), will not post sale but a search for/in completed "cheap" $20 listing may be a heads up/caution. "

Indicating that the seller had not yet "shipped" the package and refunded you your money.

So, exactly what has occured here other than:

1. You won an item for cheap
2. Got nervous about whether or not it would be shipped because it was so cheap
3. Filed some type of PayPal claim (assume not as described or not received)
4. The seller honored the claim and refunded you your money?

Also, I did a search on $20 St. Gaudens coins and came up with close to 2,000 hits. Would you please just post the sellers name or the specific auction? Or was this a Buy It Now?

Coinlearner

The reason I got nervious was because the seller was offering same coins,with same pictures over and over. Plus on the recent feedback after I bought,suddenly appeared 5-6 RED negs. Was Buy it Now

dac076

This raises a number of questions in my mind.

1) When a postal worker says verbally or in a written statement that they watched you open a package, how much weight does that carry? I suppose if it went to small claims court, they could submit an affidavit?

2) Other than in a case where the package was empty or fraud is very obvious, how are they even qualified (or willing) to determine whether what you received was "as described"?

3) Since the dispute would end up being mediated by Ebay, would the postal worker or notary even be actively involved?

4) How would this be handled if the delivery was to a UPS store, or by FedX, etc.?

Coins101

<< <i>

<< <i>Judge Judy won't take a Notarized letter/statement as evidence. >>



SHUSH you!! I'm tawkin' heah! I'll tell you when you can tawk! >>



Don't forget' "You're not listening. Put your listening ear on!"

Coins101

<< <i>The reason I got nervious was because the seller was offering same coins,with same pictures over and over. Plus on the recent feedback after I bought,suddenly appeared 5-6 RED negs. Was Buy it Now >>



Kind of reminds me of a recent purchase (non coin) for a $1,000. Listing was on ebay about 2-3 days, did a BIN, paid instantly (as usual). Next day, I get a message from eBay the listing was Nuked and not to pay.

Luckily, the item showed up and was in perfect working order.

mrpotatoheadd

<< <i>Over the weekend bought a Saint Gaudians for 900. The seller offered alot of same coins with same pictures. Others are wondering if delivery will happen. Some filed with Paypal,myself included, to cover the purchase. >>

Obviously, I don't know all the details of your transaction, but I can tell you one thing for sure- if I was the seller, there's no way I would send the item to you while the payment was being held by PayPal due to a claim you'd filed.

Bochiman

<< <i>

<< <i>Over the weekend bought a Saint Gaudians for 900. The seller offered alot of same coins with same pictures. Others are wondering if delivery will happen. Some filed with Paypal,myself included, to cover the purchase. >>

Obviously, I don't know all the details of your transaction, but I can tell you one thing for sure- if I was the seller, there's no way I would send the item to you while the payment was being held by PayPal due to a claim you'd filed. >>



Yeah...that seems weird as well. Once you filed with paypal, for whatever reason, if I hadn't sent you a package, there is no way I would send it to you then.
You cut the ropes on the bridge by doing yet.

I can understand what you feared, but once you did that, you should not have expected the transaction to continue or to receive anything