Shipped a package with label bought from ebay, but tracking number is invalid. Package lost

[e_km3p4rc]

Hello,

I shipped an order using a Canada Post shipping label I bought on eBay. Several weeks later the item is still out for delivery but the buyer still did not receive it. I verify the tracking number with Canada Post, but they tell me it is not a valid number, it doesn't have the correct amount of digits (too many if I remember correctly), and there is nothing they can do to help me until I can provide a valid tracking number. I don't know what to do at this point. This is an international order and I'm still new to eBay selling. What would you guys do?

[brettjet38 · Accepted solution]

What service did you use?

Small Packets USA

Tracked Shipping  USA

Other

[e_km3p4rc · Accepted solution]

It was Small Packets - International (Non-US) - Air. i think I just found out it doesnt include a tracking number. The weird thing is there is a number shown as a tracking number in the label page, but I guess it's some sort of transaction number being shown at the wrong spot.

[brettjet38 · Accepted solution]

It was Small Packets - International (Non-US) - Air - I had a feeling that is the service you used, and yes you are correct, no tracking.

[femmefan1946]

The weird thing is there is a number shown as a tracking number in the label page, but I guess it's some sort of transaction number being shown at the wrong spot.

It's an internal bookkeeping number.

Sometimes foreign postal services will treat those as tracking numbers, but don't count on it.

And some buyers will mistake it for a tracking number and forego temptation to claim Item Not Received.

When we do not track our shipments we are gambling that the item will not arrive (very unlikely), will arrive late (possible), or that the buyer will take advantage and claim non-delivery (sadly while unlikely, the most likely problem).

Most people are honest and just want their purchase.

The postal system is very reliable.

Many dishonest people are not too bright, and don't realize that bookkeeping number is not a tracking number.

Tracked shipping is very expensive compared to untracked services. We make more in savings than we lose on occasional specious Claims.

This is why keeping records is important.

We can lose money this week because of one problem transaction, but make out like bandits on the other 20 sales this month.