Is this a SCAMMER or not?

[gifts_of_elegance]

I received an email from a purchaser that bought a larger piece of china from me.  She writes that the tracking number for the shipment comes up as non-existing and would like to know when she can expect delivery.  I checked and found she was missing the "CA" on the end of the number.  I then tracked the complete number and it showed that the item was delivered on September 15th.

I then wrote her and asked if she has received the item.  Her answer was that NO she DID NOT and that the tracking number shows no activity.

[amethyst1415]

If the tracking number shows it was delivered then she has no case.

[ricarmic]

It might be worthwhile to send another note with the tracking number and the printscreen of the postal update showing it was delivered and ask her politely to check with others in her household or the PO there to see if something went amiss in the scanning/delivery. I've heard of situations where spouses sign for something set it somewhere and the recipient doesn't know it got delivered! I think I've also heard of situations where it shows as "delivered" when in fact it was just put in one of the community postal mailboxes to be picked up.....

[gifts_of_elegance]

I already sent her an email asking her to check with the members of her household.  She has not responded yet.

I remember a similar situation.  The puchaser's reply was:  "Only the baby and I were home at the time the item was not delivered."

[pierrelebel]

"already sent her an email"

If the value justifies it, it may be worth a phone call to the buyer.

It is more difficult to avoid an issue or lie on the phone.

[pjcdn2005]

I would suggest that she call her local post office too. It's possible that it is there and they didn't leave a card to tell her that.

Is this in the U.S.?  I've heard a lot of stories lately about items being scanned delivered although they tended to turn up in a day or too.  I know that some U.S. sellers have had their buyers ask the manager at the post office if they could look into it and in some case the mailman remembered leaving it at the wrong address..on the porch...etc etc.  

On the chance that the buyer does have the package, if it is in the U.S. you could also tell them that if they don't find the package you will file a complaint with the USPS  and that someone may be contacting them about it. I've heard that when this is mentioned some people 'find' their packages.

You can also contact Canada Post. I know that a few years ago I had a parcel that showed delivered, they investigated and refunded me the insured amount and postage. That package was delivered in Canada though so that might make a difference and their policy might have changed.

[pjcdn2005]

You may already know this but if she files a claim you can phone ebay and show that the item was delivered and get the claim closed in your favour so that it doesn't count as a defect. You can still work with the customer but at least you avoid the defect. It's a shame that a seller has to first work to close a claim though and THEN work with the buyer.