Registered Mail Nightmare - am I being impatient?

jmcu12 · December 19, 2014 4:23AM

Purchased a medal on ebay on December 1st with a best offer.

Seller puts the item in the mailstream on Dec 3rd at Denville, NJ. That night it arrives at Teterboro, NJ. It proceeds to sit at Teterboro, NJ until Dec 17th (2 full weeks)! On Dec 17th (only after I raise a stink with my local postmaster) it arrives in Jamaica, NY at 4:29pm and leaves again at 5:14pm BUT no further updates have been made since. Jamaica is close to JFK so could it be on its way with no updates? I realize Registered mail is slower but this is ridiculous.

Also, I cannot get the seller to respond to any messages (4 in total); am I correct that only the seller can file a claim with the USPS? I raised an issue with Ebay (message #4) in hopes of getting the seller to finally respond to me so I guess we will see what happens next. They have until Dec 26th before I can ask Ebay to step in and resolve. Maybe I should have said something sooner but I was assuming that because of the holidays it was just taking that long. My worry is that it is lost/stolen, etc. I know what Registered means but that does not mean that something still cannot happen to it.

So, am I being too impatient/a jerk?

BryceM · December 19, 2014 4:27AM

Yes, you're being impatient. 2 or 3 weeks is nothing for registered mail. Tracking doesn't always update either. Usually once it starts moving you'll have it within a few days.

If you go past a month, I'd maybe start asking questions. Registered shows up when it shows up. There's certainly nothing the seller can do about it.

coindeuce · December 19, 2014 4:36AM

Perhaps you have forgotten that this is the peak annual season for U.S.P.S mail volume, which can easily have an impact on Registered mail delivery times. I wouldn't panic just yet.

derryb · December 19, 2014 4:42AM

Anything over 2 weeks for registered justifies your concerns. Most likely just delayed. Since you can't get a response from the seller go ahead and intiate a paypal (not ebay) claim over the telephone. This will start the drawn out process of getting your refund in the event the item doesn't eventually arrive. Paypal will give the seller 10 days to respond to the claim. He most likely will post that he has shipped, providing the tracking number to paypal. Paypal will then give him a reasonable amount of time to see if it gets delivered. You can easily cancel the claim on-line if item arrives. If it hasn't arrived by the time paypal is ready to refund you, it is most likely not going to arrive. Remember, postal insurance protects the seller, Paypal protects you.

WingedLiberty1957 · December 19, 2014 4:43AM

i dislike registered mail ... it's slow as molasses.

i once had a registered mail package take over 30 days to arrive

just be patient ... it will come by new years

nencoin · December 19, 2014 4:45AM

Our Registered packages have slowed down noticeably this month. Over two weeks is admittedly a long time in your case, but I wouldn't start worrying just yet. And it's not close to time to file a claim either. What's more disappointing than the delayed delivery, in my opinion, is the complete lack of response from the seller. Just a friendly reply from the seller explaining that Registered Mail is the safest but slowest delivery method, and due to the holidays, things are running even slower would have been sufficient.

You can certainly nick his five star rating for communications.

jmcu12 · December 19, 2014 4:51AM

<< Perhaps you have forgotten that this is the peak annual season for U.S.P.S mail volume >>

Nope have not forgotten, the thing that bothers me the most is that it sat in one location for 2 weeks. Peak season or not that seems too long to me.

But I am often too impatient so I will try to simmer down.

coinguy1989 · December 19, 2014 4:53AM

<< Yes, you're being impatient. 2 or 3 weeks is nothing for registered mail. Tracking doesn't always update either. Usually once it starts moving you'll have it within a few days.

If you go past a month, I'd maybe start asking questions. Registered shows up when it shows up. There's certainly nothing the seller can do about it. >>

+1

derryb · December 19, 2014 4:53AM

<< i dislike registered mail ... it's slow as molasses.

i once had a registered mail package take over 30 days to arrive

just be patient ... it will come by new years >>

It is the only USPS method that will honor a lost claim involving bullion.

derryb · December 19, 2014 4:56AM

<< 

<< Perhaps you have forgotten that this is the peak annual season for U.S.P.S mail volume >>

Nope have not forgotten, the thing that bothers me the most is that it sat in one location for 2 weeks. Peak season or not that seems too long to me.

But I am often too impatient so I will try to simmer down.

>>

The two weeks at one location basically extended your delivery time by two weeks.

BryceM · December 19, 2014 5:10AM

It sounds like most of you guys do better with registered than me. I live out in the sticks. I can't EVER remember receiving or sending a registered package in under 2 weeks. 3 or 4 is pretty typical. Sitting in one place for 2 weeks is also pretty typical.

MGLICKER · December 19, 2014 5:11AM

<< Jamaica is close to JFK so could it be on its way with no updates? >>

Have had a coin from Germany hung up at Jamaica NY as well for several days. Be patient, it will arrive.

BAJJERFAN · December 19, 2014 9:51AM

<< 

<< Perhaps you have forgotten that this is the peak annual season for U.S.P.S mail volume >>

Nope have not forgotten, the thing that bothers me the most is that it sat in one location for 2 weeks. Peak season or not that seems too long to me.

But I am often too impatient so I will try to simmer down.

>>

Just wait until it gets to Kansas City.

I had one leave here [Ames] on the 15th and it is now in Maine. If I was you I would call the offending PO out East and ask the PM why it sat so long.

2ndCharter · December 19, 2014 10:05AM

I have sent and received hundreds of Registered Mail packages over the last few decades and 100% arrived with no problems. Granted, some took over three weeks (the average is about 10 days) but they all got there.

MilesWaits · December 19, 2014 10:06AM

You have a forbidden word in your message post. Please click the back button in your browser and remove this word from your post. The words that are forbidden are highlighted for you.

I have heard many more complaints and b*tching here about NOT receiving a Non-Registered package than your issue - so, more egg nog.

jayPem · December 19, 2014 10:21AM

I have a dealer in Florida that I like very much...except he's a registered mail guy.
We came to an agreement recently, I send him an extra $20 and he sends my stuff Express.

I'm just not into waiting a month to get coins, not anymore...

BAJJERFAN · December 19, 2014 10:26AM

<< 

<< Jamaica is close to JFK so could it be on its way with no updates? >>

Have had a coin from Germany hung up at Jamaica NY as well for several days. Be patient, it will arrive. >>

My last see yay see submission left NJ a day ahead of the last killer storm they had and went through NYC. Didn't seem to hold it up any.

puffer · December 19, 2014 10:27AM

I hate registered to death, only use it for Russia and other places where extra safe is helpful.

There is no excuse for unresponsive businesses--what is wrong with these communication deadbeats? "Thanks for your inquiry, we are doing everything we can to get it delivered to you and have the usps respond to our inquiries".

CaptHenway · December 19, 2014 10:58AM

Mailed a Registered package in November and for eight days all the P.O.'s tracking site would say that it was received at the facility in Colorado Springs. Finally showed up at a Chicago P.O. on the 9th day. No idea where it was in between.

oreville · December 19, 2014 11:20AM

I once had to wait 2 months for a registered mail package to arrive. It was so slow the value of the coin tripled in the mail time. LOL

RGJohn · December 19, 2014 11:48AM

<< Purchased a medal on ebay on December 1st with a best offer.

Seller puts the item in the mailstream on Dec 3rd at Denville, NJ. That night it arrives at Teterboro, NJ. It proceeds to sit at Teterboro, NJ until Dec 17th (2 full weeks)! On Dec 17th (only after I raise a stink with my local postmaster) it arrives in Jamaica, NY at 4:29pm and leaves again at 5:14pm BUT no further updates have been made since. Jamaica is close to JFK so could it be on its way with no updates? I realize Registered mail is slower but this is ridiculous.

Also, I cannot get the seller to respond to any messages (4 in total); am I correct that only the seller can file a claim with the USPS? I raised an issue with Ebay (message #4) in hopes of getting the seller to finally respond to me so I guess we will see what happens next. They have until Dec 26th before I can ask Ebay to step in and resolve. Maybe I should have said something sooner but I was assuming that because of the holidays it was just taking that long. My worry is that it is lost/stolen, etc. I know what Registered means but that does not mean that something still cannot happen to it.

So, am I being too impatient/a jerk? >>

Not a jerk, no.
A trifle impatient , yes.
Re-post on Jan 6 and let us know how you like it.
Happy Holidays.

BAJJERFAN · December 19, 2014 11:53AM

<< Mailed a Registered package in November and for eight days all the P.O.'s tracking site would say that it was received at the facility in Colorado Springs. Finally showed up at a Chicago P.O. on the 9th day. No idea where it was in between. >>

As part of the security of RM, they don't necessarily want you to know where it is.

BAJJERFAN · December 19, 2014 11:58AM

<< Purchased a medal on ebay on December 1st with a best offer.

Seller puts the item in the mailstream on Dec 3rd at Denville, NJ. That night it arrives at Teterboro, NJ. It proceeds to sit at Teterboro, NJ until Dec 17th (2 full weeks)! On Dec 17th (only after I raise a stink with my local postmaster) it arrives in Jamaica, NY at 4:29pm and leaves again at 5:14pm BUT no further updates have been made since. Jamaica is close to JFK so could it be on its way with no updates? I realize Registered mail is slower but this is ridiculous.

Also, I cannot get the seller to respond to any messages (4 in total); am I correct that only the seller can file a claim with the USPS? I raised an issue with Ebay (message #4) in hopes of getting the seller to finally respond to me so I guess we will see what happens next. They have until Dec 26th before I can ask Ebay to step in and resolve. Maybe I should have said something sooner but I was assuming that because of the holidays it was just taking that long. My worry is that it is lost/stolen, etc. I know what Registered means but that does not mean that something still cannot happen to it.

So, am I being too impatient/a jerk? >>

Go to the USPS website customer service and send them an email. I've done it several times and gotten a reply within 24 hours. Tell them you know all about the advantages and features of RM, but you want to know why a package tracking number BBBBB sat in Teterboro, NJ for 2 weeks with no movement. Tells us what they say.

FullCameo · December 19, 2014 12:01PM

Registered mail is the safest, but sometimes slowest.

lkeigwin · December 19, 2014 12:22PM

More patience is required, that's all. It will show up.

I dislike registered mail. I know it's about as safe as possible. But I've come to believe less time in the mail and smart packaging/insuring is at least as good. Certainly much faster. And a lot easier to package.

I never send anything registered anymore, unless the other guy insists.
Lance.

MFH · December 19, 2014 12:28PM

I just read your first sentence. No need to read the rest.

YES !! You are impatient... You'll be lucky to get it by Christmas !!

I had a Registered package sitting in NYC for 18 days - no movement what so ever;

it was mid October - took almost a whole month to finally get it...

DaveG · December 19, 2014 1:26PM

As I recall, there was a board member a few years ago who was a USPS employee.

He explained that Registered packages are transported with extra security, including a dedicated truck. As a result, in some locations that don't see a lot of Registered Mail, packages may wait a while for a truck.

As has been said many times - it's slow but the most secure.

golden · December 19, 2014 1:34PM

<< I once had to wait 2 months for a registered mail package to arrive. It was so slow the value of the coin tripled in the mail time. LOL >>

numisma · December 19, 2014 1:46PM

<< Purchased a medal on ebay on December 1st with a best offer.

Seller puts the item in the mailstream on Dec 3rd at Denville, NJ. That night it arrives at Teterboro, NJ. It proceeds to sit at Teterboro, NJ until Dec 17th (2 full weeks)! On Dec 17th (only after I raise a stink with my local postmaster) it arrives in Jamaica, NY at 4:29pm and leaves again at 5:14pm BUT no further updates have been made since. Jamaica is close to JFK so could it be on its way with no updates? I realize Registered mail is slower but this is ridiculous.

Also, I cannot get the seller to respond to any messages (4 in total); am I correct that only the seller can file a claim with the USPS? I raised an issue with Ebay (message #4) in hopes of getting the seller to finally respond to me so I guess we will see what happens next. They have until Dec 26th before I can ask Ebay to step in and resolve. Maybe I should have said something sooner but I was assuming that because of the holidays it was just taking that long. My worry is that it is lost/stolen, etc. I know what Registered means but that does not mean that something still cannot happen to it.

So, am I being too impatient/a jerk? >>

If you read this really, really quickly and imagine a guy pacing back and forth while pulling at his hair --- well that's what I envisioned when I read this. Justr try to read it quickly and you will see what I mean. Please relax. Your medal will arrive safely. Patience is a virtue.

MGLICKER · December 19, 2014 2:00PM

As an added note, use care when mailing Ebay items by registered mail.

Sent a package to storm hammered New Jersey towards the end of January 2014. Buyer opened a did not receive complaint on day 8 and it finally arrived a day before he was to close it 7 days later and get a refund from Ebay. Ebay high value claim rep told me that the refund would have been granted had the coin been delivered one day later.

If you are persistent, the USPS will do an intranet track on a registered package. Just keep asking until you get the right person.

grote15 · December 19, 2014 3:07PM

Using registered mail for an ebay purchase is just asking for trouble, as transit time is often very slow and buyers are very impatient. For higher dollar packages, I would use Express Mail instead~much shorter transit time (much less likely a package becomes wayward or lost) and insurance is much less expensive for higher dollar amounts vs priority or first class registered mail.

roadrunner · December 19, 2014 3:18PM

<< 

<< Jamaica is close to JFK so could it be on its way with no updates? >>

Have had a coin from Germany hung up at Jamaica NY as well for several days. Be patient, it will arrive. >>

Me too. It was coming out of NGC in Florida and sat in Jamaica NY for about a week during the pre-Christmas holiday period. Overall it took 2-3 weeks to get to me as I recall.

bigjpst · December 19, 2014 3:24PM

Nothing really surprises me about shipping times anymore. Just had a first class package from an ebay purchase go from PA to AK before making it's way to Los Angeles sort facility where it sat for 3 or 4 days. Odd since packages to me usually go through a different sort facility. Then I guess they decided it needed to go to Chicago instead of 12 miles to me. Sat there for 3 more days and finally made it back here to me a couple days ago.

grote15 · December 19, 2014 3:53PM

<< 

<< 

<< Jamaica is close to JFK so could it be on its way with no updates? >>

Have had a coin from Germany hung up at Jamaica NY as well for several days. Be patient, it will arrive. >>

Me too. It was coming out of NGC in Florida and sat in Jamaica NY for about a week during the pre-Christmas holiday period. Overall it took 2-3 weeks to get to me as I recall. >>

Was it Jamaica, NY, 11430? That is the ISC (International Sorting Center) where international packages are processed and sorted. Packages tend to sit there a while longer than the typical USPS sort facility.

Registered Mail Nightmare - am I being impatient?

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