I got a book BACK today in a dreaded body bag that I had mailed to another member (a wishlisted book too!) It looks like was caught and shredded in the P.O. machinery! The book is ruined and I guess since the mail to address is unreadable,  it came back to me.

So, I know I won't get my credit back and I will pm the other member in a minute to let them know what happened. Should I also let TPTB know? It annoys me that on my account it will look like I never mailed the book. I guess the other member could just   let it time out and she will get her credit back eventually but still.

Yes, I would let TPTB know so, they can remove the transaction and put the other member back at their former position in the wishlist line.  They shouldn't have to wait until it times out to get back in line.

Sounds like you got Media Mauled... always sad when that happens.  :(

Yes, I think my mistake was using a recycled bubble mailer that was maybe on its last use. I thought I used enough tape but apparently not:(

Hi Laurie Anne,

This is from the PBS Help Center:

If your book was returned to you damaged en route by USPS, you should contact the requestor (using the button on the en route transaction for the book) to let him or her know what happened, and also contact us, providing the book title, to ask us to cancel the transaction.  When we do this, the requestor will get credit back so she or he can try to get the book from someone else.

This doesn't happen often, and it is managed this way:

• If the book gets to the requestor damaged, she needs to mark it received with a problem (and choose "Damaged by USPS").  There is a problem with a book I received! discusses this situation.

• If the book comes back to the sender damaged, the transaction needs to be canceled by us.

   

  Hope this helps!