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Topic: Book I requested returned...

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rainbowgirl28 avatar
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Subject: Book I requested returned...
Date Posted: 1/11/2011 12:09 PM ET
Member Since: 5/25/2009
Posts: 620
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For the first time ever, I requested a book sent directly to my sister. Well just my luck, I get a PM from the sender saying it had been returned to them as undeliverable. 

I figured I had somehow typed something wrong, so I sent them an apologetic PM and said that I would get an updated address and send them another point. 

But I checked with my sister this morning, and copied and pasted the address that is in the system. She said that it was the correct address... it's a PO Box that she's had for years. I checked the zip code on the USPS website and that came out correctly. 

I sent the sender another PM and asked if he had hand-written the label. 

 

Depending on his response, I am wondering if it is unreasonable to ask him to send me a picture? I have NO problems sending another credit if it was a mistake that I made. I know the post office just randomly screws up sometimes too, and we could figure out how to deal with that if that's the case. 

We could always try shipping to her house. But if the system has the PO Box address that my sister swears is correct, I think I would like some sort of assurance that the sender didn't make a mistake. 

 

Your thoughts?

melanied avatar
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Date Posted: 1/11/2011 12:22 PM ET
Member Since: 8/16/2007
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I would ask him for a picture to verify the address it was sent to.  If it has the correct address and no other reason for being returned, then I would tell him to take it to his PO and tell them the address is verifieed correct and it was returned due to USPS error.  They should resend it for free.

rainbowgirl28 avatar
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Date Posted: 1/11/2011 3:16 PM ET
Member Since: 5/25/2009
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Thanks, that's not a bad idea, trying to get the post office to redeliver if it was their mistake. 

My sister's name that I am sending the book to is Melanie :) 

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Date Posted: 1/11/2011 5:25 PM ET
Member Since: 10/23/2010
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Is it possible that "Media Mail" can't go to PO Boxes?  Just a thought... 

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Date Posted: 1/11/2011 5:27 PM ET
Member Since: 10/23/2010
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OK, I just checked on eHow and that doesn't seem to be the issue.  Unless the package was too large for the PO Box, they will deliver Media Mail to a PO Box.

rxrcds avatar
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Date Posted: 1/11/2011 6:04 PM ET
Member Since: 12/3/2005
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Po Boxes are totally fine for media mail.  The post office should also hold it for up to or at least 14 days to be picked up.  I don't think it's unreasonable to ask for a photograph or scan.  If they are unwilling to do that, then I would simply let the transaction time out as it will go lost since it hasn't been received and then try your luck with the next copy if it's a readily available book or if it's wishilisted then hopefully another will be offered soon.  Good luck.

FlouncePony avatar
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Date Posted: 1/11/2011 6:11 PM ET
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Even if a package won't fit into a box, they usually hold it at the post office and leave a notice in the box to pick it up at the counter.

If you're sure that you gave the correct address, then I agree that you should just let it time out.

rainbowgirl28 avatar
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Date Posted: 1/11/2011 6:52 PM ET
Member Since: 5/25/2009
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There is no issue sending media mail or USPS packages of any size (within their limits) to PO Boxes.

I should know, I live in an area with no street delivery, so we only have a PO Box. 

Still no reply from the sender, hopefully they get back to me sooner rather than later :/ 

pinkcypress avatar
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Date Posted: 1/11/2011 9:50 PM ET
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I don't know about asking for a picture - just confirm that the package was sent to the correct address and tell the sender to take it to the post office and let them know the situation.  They should resend it at no charge.  That way, your sister gets the book and the sender gets his credit.

rainbowgirl28 avatar
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Date Posted: 1/13/2011 3:55 PM ET
Member Since: 5/25/2009
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I still haven't had any sort of reply from the sender since I asked him if he hand-wrote the label. I'm not feeling so good about this transaction, and there aren't any other copies in the system :(