Mail & Shipping - Recommendations, Questions, and Answers

Just pay the shipping now. You can always recoup the cost by bumping up the price on your next sale.
I’d suggest listing it on eBay. Demand for phones there is huge, you'll move it fast, and the money goes straight into your account.

Quick question—if this is the right thread. What’s the actual cutoff time for customers at the post office? I witnessed a bit of a scene today where a customer and the staff got into a heated argument because an older lady insisted it was already too late to serve anyone, even though they were supposed to stay open until 1:00 PM and it was only 12:40.

Edit: Also, do they take a lunch break on Saturdays or what?

Thanks! 🙂

wireddrifter6 said:Hi everyone,
On Wednesday, I shipped a phone over to a woman in Cleveland—it was for her son. It's a BlackBerry 8520 Curve. I set the COD amount at $100, which was what we agreed on for the value of the phone, and sent it via HP expedited shipping. The phone arrived yesterday morning, and then she calls me asking what the deal is—she apparently doesn't know how to use a BlackBerry, claiming the initial startup takes too long (a few minutes), and she couldn't even figure out how to insert the SIM card. Then, once she realized the BlackBerry was in English because there's no American English option [sic], she decided to return it—even after opening everything up. Honestly, I have no idea if she damaged anything in the process. This morning, the mail carrier comes by and tells me I have to pay $127 just to get the phone back.
The thing is, she already paid those $100 to the mail carrier, so now she’s dumped all these damn costs on me—$80 for the shipping—and I can't even get my phone back until I cough up $127. I only have five business days to pick it up. When I originally sent the phone, the clerk at the post office told me I'd receive the refund for the $100 COD amount by Monday or Tuesday. I really don't understand why she's passing all the costs onto me; it's her mistake, yet I'll end up $27 in the hole once I pay this, and who knows what kind of condition the phone will be in when it finally arrives.
Is there anything I can do here?
To make matters worse, the woman claimed yesterday that she had already mailed the phone back, but then an hour later, she insisted her husband—and I quote, "a police officer heading out on duty"—could also drop it off. That makes zero sense if she supposedly already sent it. It's just bottom-of-the-barrel behavior... if you're going to buy something online, you could at least do a quick Google search to find out what a BlackBerry actually is—they're mostly used by professionals, not kids.

Based on what you said, it sounds like she "bought" the phone for that $100... otherwise, she wouldn't have been able to pick it up... so the money should be coming to your address...

If you haven't already, if I were in your shoes, I wouldn't even take the package. Just let it be returned to sender. You'll get your money, and she'll be stuck covering the pickup and shipping costs since she initiated the shipment and the customer (you) didn't accept it...
And as for those threats about her husband being a cop—tell her to shove it...
An inspector should know better than to buy secondhand goods over the internet... and if you say the phone was working fine, you have nothing to fear...

There are plenty of imbeciles like this out there... and you can't negotiate with people like them...
That’s why I try to describe everything I sell in extreme detail, so a potential buyer has a complete understanding of exactly what they are purchasing...
As for how a buyer treats the items they've bought, that's no longer my concern...
Sometimes things go wrong, but you can usually work things out with people...
When dealing with people who are arrogant and rude, I match their energy...

Keith Walker33 said:Based on this, looks like she basically "bought out" the phone for that amount $100...otherwise there’s no way she could even pick it up...so the cash will just end up at your address...

If you haven't already, I wouldn't even bother picking up the package if I were you...just let it go back to her...you'll get your money, and she'll have to eat the shipping costs since she sent it and the customer (you) didn't take it...
And honestly, tell her to shove those threats about her husband being a cop... seriously...
A cop inspector should know better than to buy used stuff online...plus, if you say the phone works fine, you've got nothing to worry about...

There are plenty of idiots like this out there...and you can't negotiate with people like that...
That's why I try to describe everything I sell in total detail, so the buyer knows exactly what they're getting...
Once it's sold, whatever the buyer does with it isn't my problem anymore...
Sometimes things go sideways, but most of the time you can work it out with people...
When people get cocky and rude like this, I talk to them in that exact same tone...

Yeah, so much has gone down since that last post. This woman's been blowing up my phone with threats for two days now. I talked to a cop, and now I'm thinking about actually filing a report... it's a total disaster. All this "we're gonna get you," "we're coming when you least expect it," "watch your back," "tell your family to be careful"... like, who even is she? 😕 It's pretty obvious she's lost it. I offered to split the shipping costs with her, but she wouldn't hear it—straight to threats immediately. You're right, though, the phone belongs to her now, and if I don't have the cash to grab it, it just goes right back to her. She even messaged saying the payment was frozen??? So I called the Post Office, and they said that's not even possible since it's COD. Anyway, I've been such a nervous wreck for a few days because of her, I literally shake every time my phone buzzes. 😢

wireddrifter6 said:Honestly, so much has gone down since this last post. This woman has been sending me threatening messages for two days straight now—I've actually spoken with a police officer about it, and I'm seriously considering filing a formal report... It’s just a disaster. Messages like "we'll deal with you," or "I'll show up when you least expect it," or "stay alert" and "warn your parents and family"... I mean, who does she think she is? 😕 It's painfully obvious the woman is having some kind of mental breakdown. I even offered to split the shipping costs with her just to settle things, but she refused—and then the threats started immediately. You're right, though; the phone is technically hers now, so if I don't have the cash to pick it up, it just goes back to her. She even sent messages claiming the funds were being held up??? So I contacted the Post Office, and they told me that wouldn't even be possible given that it's a COD shipment... Anyway, I've been in such a state of high stress for the past few days because of her; I literally shake whenever I get a notification on my phone. 😢

There is absolutely no negotiating with idiots like that... go straight to the police. Uncover the identity of the family making these threats... and make sure to mention that someone even went so far as to impersonate a police officer...

Save every single piece of evidence you can and please, don't let them intimidate you... I'm certain you aren't the first person to deal with these kinds of threats and messages...

I know this is weighing heavily on you, but if you're going to let these fools push you around every single time to your own detriment, there will be no end to it... you have to be firm with people like this, because they simply don't understand any other language...

Go to the police, but do it officially—don't just rely on favors through a friend... having a friend on the force might be helpful later on, but you need the official route... good luck...

I’ve got a massive headache on my hands. I ordered some boots through Otto, they showed up at my place, and they were way too small. So, I sent them back the "right" way using Time. Now I'm just sitting here waiting for my money, but nothing. When I call Otto, they claim they haven't received a thing. Meanwhile, I checked the tracking number and it says the package is sitting at a Time kiosk at its destination. Otto is still playing dumb, insisting they have nothing. To make things worse, my mom tossed the tracking code, so now I don't even know where the hell that package actually is. I called Otto again and they basically said Time screwed up—that you aren't supposed to ship packages that way and it’s probably just rotting at some retail location in town waiting to be picked up. I’ve been calling Time all morning, but nobody picks up. I tried to see if they could find it by name, then went down to the shop, but the girl there had no clue; she said she just started working there.🙂🙂🙂I honestly can't believe they can't track down my package using my name, address, or the date I sent it.🙂I keep calling some toll-free number, but it's just endless hold music.
Who else am I supposed to call?

wireddrifter6 said:Yeah, a lot has gone down since the last update. This woman has been blowing up my phone with threats for two days straight. I’ve already spoken to a cop; I’m seriously considering filing an official report. It’s total chaos. "I'll deal with you," "I'll show up when you least expect it," "Watch your back," "Warn your parents and family"... like, who does she think she is? 😕 It's obvious she’s lost her mind. I even offered to split the shipping costs just to settle things, but no—she went straight to threats. You're right, though; once the phone is in her possession, if I don't have the cash to pick it up, it just goes back to her. She even sent messages claiming the funds were frozen??? So I called the post office, and they told me that's impossible because it's a COD shipment. Anyway, I've been a wreck for days because of this woman. Every time my phone pings, I start shaking. 😢

Did you actually redeem your phone?
Because at this rate, it looks like you're paying to receive an empty box or a literal brick.

Betty Nelson71 said:I have a massive problem. I bought some boots through Otto, they arrived at my house, but they were too small—so I sent them back properly via Time. Now, I’ve been waiting for my money to be returned, but nothing. I called Otto and they claim they haven't received anything; however, when I typed in the tracking number earlier, it showed the package was at a Time kiosk at its destination. Otto is still denying they've received a thing. In the meantime, my mom tossed the tracking code, so now I have no idea where that package actually is. I called Otto again and they told me Time messed up—that you aren't supposed to send packages that way, but rather using a different method—and that the package is likely sitting at a retail location in that city just waiting to be picked up. I've been calling Time all morning, but no one is picking up so we can try searching for the package by name. I even went to the retail location, but the clerk there knows nothing; she was basically saying she just started working there.🙂🙂🙂I honestly cannot believe they can't find my package using my name, address, and the date it was sent.🙂I've been calling some toll-free number, but I'm just stuck on hold constantly.
Who else can I call?

I don't quite follow—how did you ship those boots via Time without coordinating with someone from Otto first!?

Time ships packages from kiosk to kiosk, and whoever the package is being sent to needs to know exactly which kiosk you sent it to (every Time kiosk has a unique 6-digit code)...
you also need to leave a phone number or mobile number so the staff at the kiosk can notify the recipient that the package has arrived... they don't deliver packages directly to home addresses... so, someone from Otto should have come to pick up the package if you had arranged it that way beforehand...
and most importantly, you CANNOT send or receive money through Time...
it really comes down to a matter of trust between the buyer and the seller regarding who makes the first move...

When you were filling out the form at Time, you would have had to specify where you were sending it from and which kiosk it was going to... look up where all the Time locations are in that city and see if you can remember...
you can check the kiosk location HERE (use the kiosk locator)
just type the city name into the search bar and it will show you all the locations... maybe it'll jog your memory...
and stay persistent when calling 1-800-666-770...

Keith Walker33 said:I don't get how you sent the boots through Time when you hadn't even cleared it with someone at Otto first!?

Time just moves packages from one newsstand to another. The person receiving it needs to know exactly which specific newsstand you used (every single Time location has its own unique 6-digit code)...
You also have to leave a phone number so they can call the recipient once the package arrives... they don't deliver to home addresses... basically, someone from Otto should have come pick it up if you guys had an agreement...
And most importantly, you CANNOT send or receive money through Time...
It’s all about trust—whoever makes the first move is taking the risk...

When you filled out the form at Time, you had to list where you were sending it from and which newsstand it was going to... look around that city, see where all the Time stands are, and try to remember...
You can check the newsstand locations HERE (use the kiosk locator)
Just type in the city name and it'll show you everything... maybe it'll ring a bell...
And don't be afraid to be a pest on their customer service line...

Well, that's the whole mess. Otto has a deal with Time regarding pickups, but because the staff at Time didn't know what they were doing, the package ended up somewhere it wasn't supposed to be.🙂I talked to Otto and the manager told me they do have an agreement with Time, just nothing like this disaster. And they wouldn't send the money via Time anyway; they'd just do a card transfer.
I have the newsstand location and the address, and everything else except that damn tracking number.
I finally got an operator on the line and she said she understands the issue. She told me I need to send an email emphasizing that this was a return, and then it should get sorted. Hopefully. Anyway, I'm never using Time again. Total idiots.

I really hope this is just a one-off fluke... I’ve sent out plenty of packages before without any issues at all—not to mention the staff there are incredibly friendly and genuinely know what they're doing...

I knew something felt off. Even though their complaint form says they have an agreement with Time stating this wouldn't work out right, I should've just used the post office instead.🙂500 damn bucks. If I don't get my money back, I'll be haunting that newsstand every single day. To make matters worse, the woman at the counter told me I had to fill out the form myself because if people complain about them, they claim they didn't write clearly. Then, apparently, the folks at Time are acting shocked, asking where the hell Strmec samoborski is and acting like they don't even have a newsstand there. I should've just grabbed the package back then and pedaled it over to them myself on my bike. It would've been faster and more reliable. And I can't believe my entire package depends on some random code they use to look things up. What happened to names and surnames? My address? At this rate, if I don't have those codes, it's like I never even sent a package and they owe me absolutely nothing.

Hey guys... I really need some major help here.. I'm trying to mail a little package abroad—it's basically two sheets of A4 paper and this tiny little teddy bear keychain—all the way to India.. I did my homework and checked out everything on the USPS website, but I'm still totally lost. Like, how do I actually send this as priority mail or a certified letter? And is it true that I’m not supposed to seal the envelope because the lady at the counter needs to inspect what's inside first? This is my first time sending anything outside the US, so I'm just wondering how the whole process works..

Sandra Lopez9 said:Hey everyone... I need some serious help. I want to mail a letter (two sheets of A4 paper and one tiny teddy bear keychain) overseas—specifically to India. I did my homework on the USPS website, but I'm still not sure how to send it as priority mail versus certified mail? Also, is it true that I shouldn't seal the envelope because the clerk at the counter needs to inspect the contents? This is my first time sending anything outside the US, so I'm just wondering how this works..

Go with certified for India. Honestly, there isn't much of a price difference between certified and priority anyway.
Just stick to certified without paying extra for airmail or priority; it costs $7.75 and takes about 7-10 days.
It’s all the same. It gets there eventually, but they love charging you more under the guise of being "faster," even when it isn't.
Best bet is to use a bubble mailer. They're way tougher than standard envelopes.
And look, at my local post office, they don't bother inspecting the contents and let me hand over a sealed envelope, but everywhere else they've demanded to see what's inside. Better to show up with an open envelope.

Melissa Phillips4 said:It’s basically perfect for shipping to India... honestly, there’s barely any difference in price between standard registered mail and priority.
Just stick with registered, skip the extra fees for airmail or priority service—it costs $7.75 and should show up in about 7 to 10 days.
It’s all the same anyway, they arrive at the same time, but those guys always love to squeeze you for more money by calling it "faster" when it really isn't.
Best bet is to use one of those bubble mailers; they're way tougher than the regular paper envelopes.
And look, at my local USPS branch, they don't even bother checking what's inside the package, I just hand over a sealed envelope... meanwhile, everywhere else I go, they're always asking me to open it up and show them what's in there. Honestly, it might be easier to just walk in with the envelope already open.

Thanks so much!🙂
One more thing though, if I'm sending something via registered mail, is it absolutely necessary to write my own address in the top left corner on the back of the envelope?🙂

wireddrifter6, you’ll eventually receive those $100 she paid for, though it usually takes a little while for things to actually arrive at your doorstep... As for the phone, she was poking around on it, realized it wasn't quite what she wanted, and decided to send it back just like you did. If I were in your shoes, I probably wouldn't accept it... The money ($100) will find its way to you regardless, and you shouldn't run into any trouble regarding the refusal of delivery. Best,

Sandra Lopez9 said:Much appreciated.🙂
One more thing—is it actually mandatory to put your return address in the top left corner of the envelope when sending something via certified mail?🙂

Yeah, you have to include an address. If you aren't comfortable putting down your actual home address, you can just use something like:
First and last name.
Poste Restante 10000 Washington, D.C.
Poste Restante 10000 Washington, D.C.
America.

Hey everyone,

I have a quick question for you all. I’m pretty much a total novice when it comes to shipping and receiving packages, so please bear with me if this sounds basic. Basically, I need to send a birthday gift to a friend over in San Francisco (I’m based in Washington, D.C.). It’s just a book—nothing too thick—and I’m totally lost on which shipping method to use. If I decide to go with a package, am I supposed to provide my own box? (Seriously, I REALLY have no clue how this works!) How much does shipping usually run? Do they actually weigh the package, and do they inspect the contents to see what’s inside? And most importantly, how many days should I expect it to take to get from Washington, D.C. to San Francisco? Does it depend on business days? Like, is five business days from the moment I drop it off a safe bet?

Thanks a million!

quiettinker5 said:Dear readers,

I have a question. My knowledge regarding sending or receiving packages is minimal, so this might be pretty basic. Basically, I need to send a birthday gift to a friend in Seattle (I am based in Washington, D.C.). It’s just a standard-thickness book, and I’m unsure which method to use. If I send a package, do I provide my own box? (I REALLY don't know!) How much does shipping cost? Do they weigh the package, and do they inspect the contents? And the most important question, how many days should I expect it to take to get from Washington, D.C. to Seattle? Does it depend on business days? Like, a maximum of 5 business days after dropping it off?

Thanks a lot!

You can either find your own box or buy one there.
Shipping costs depend entirely on weight, starting from $6.00 and up for a package.
Now, if it isn't particularly heavy, you might consider sending it via certified mail (you can still use a box for that). Unless that book is worth more than $33, it’s actually better to send it as a regular package rather than certified to avoid any theft risks.
It will arrive in Seattle by the next day.

I have a question.

I need to return a package containing two boxes of shoes to a retailer based in Germany.
I’m covering the shipping costs myself.
I've been looking into my options, mainly trying to find the cheapest way to get this done.
According to the calculator, the most affordable route is through the local postal service, which would be $40. Is that even realistic? Using FedEx, I’m looking at some nebulous figure around $100 or something ridiculous like that.
Is it actually that expensive? Does anyone have any suggestions...

I’m having a massive issue with the mail. Out of eight packages ordered over the last year, six just never showed up... that's a huge number. I managed to get refunds for some items, but not others. I sent an email to the post office and messaged others too, since they're useless—they can't do anything because those tracking numbers are impossible to follow... but seriously, almost every single thing I order fails to arrive. It can't all just be lost...