Whether you are a new eBayer or someone who has been selling for years, I’m sure you have had to track down a package or two. If you haven’t ran into this problem before, then you will sometime in your eBay career. This may sound scary, but really it’s not. In most cases, all you have to do is provide your tracking number to USPS and they will track it down for you. Most buyers understand that this happens, so there rarely is any type of dispute. Shipping internationally may be a little bit scarier to the casual seller, but if you really want to start making some sales, the international is the way to go.
For some reason, Brazil has a bad rap. It could be all of the “lost” packages that have been sent there, or the time it takes to actually get through customs. One of eBays core values states that “People are good”, and it 99% of the case, this is true. A little while ago, I sent 500 baby bottles over to Brazil with no problem, but every once and a while I get a buyer who says that they did not receive the item. In most cases the package is not lost, but it is just taking a long time for the item to arrive. I make sure to set the expectation upfront that the package may take 5-6 weeks (if you are shipping First Class International) and up to 3 weeks (if you are shipping Priority USPS). This helps with customer satisfaction.
What about the customers who claim that they really did not receive the item after the recommended wait time frame? Are they scamming you, or is the package really lost? I have a great way to check on your item, even after it leaves the country! This method has already saved me three different times, and my wallet thanks me.
If you are shipping outside the U.S. then you are required to fill out a customs declaration form. This form has a tracking number on the side, and can be used to track the package inside the United States. So, what about when the package is in Brazil? Well, here are the steps to prove that your package was delivered.
- The first step is to go to the Brazil postal service website found HERE
- You will notice that this website is not in English, so on the right, there is a box that says ”Rastreamento de objetos”. This is where you are going to put in your tracking number from the customs declaration form.
- You will now see the tracking of the package, however, it’s still not in english. So, open up another browser and go to a Portuguese to English translator HERE
- Go back to the tracking, and under the “situação” section, highlight and copy the top set of words.
- Go back to the translation page, and paste it in. This should tell you if the package has been delivered or where the package is.
Most people are good, and they aren’t trying to scam you, but this is a great way to make sure your item was arrived if an eBay Case is opened up for the item not being delivered. Currently, Brazil has the most cases opened for items not being received, so use this tool if you ever are in this situation.
For more eBay tips and tricks, make sure you check out The Keys to a Successful eBay Business HERE
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi two things. One, thus post really helped me because i have two packages that they claimed was never delivered, but i just proved that they were. Two, i just bought the to find of the day and wanted to thank you! Easiest 4 0 bucks I’ve ever made.
Great info. Tristen. How do you tell them it takes 5-6 weeks for delivery? Do you say it in the listing or do you email them directly? And thanks for your help yesterday. The buyer emailed me that he did receive it. I really appreciate your help!
I usually put it in my listing that international shipments may take 5-6 weeks to arrive. This usually does the trick.
This is a very relevant post, as I’m currently in the midst of tracking down a package that I shipped to Russia over 4 months ago. I shipped via USPS Priority International and Registered Mail. I remember that when I dropped the package off, the postal clerk mentioned that, “we’ve had a lot of trouble with packages sent to Russia”. International Priority is listed as 6-10 business days, so I waited until 3-4 weeks after shipping said parcel to open an inquiry. At the point, the tracking info stopped after customs processing in the US. Therefore, according to tracking it never even arrived in Russia. I called the USPS to open an inquiry as stated on their website and was told that the “foreign postal bureau” had 60 days to track down the package and that I should receive a letter as soon as they (USPS) heard from them. On the 60th day (I’m not kidding), I received a letter from the USPS stating that they (foreign postal bureau) needed more info in order to locate the package. Previously, I had been told that if it wasn’t resolved in 60 days the item would be considered lost. At that point you fill out the requisite paperwork that the USPS sends you, attach the appropriate postal receipts, show evidence of the value of the product, and then the postal service has 30 days to adjudicate your claim.
I called the number listed in the letter and give the SAME information to the gentleman on the phone. I was told that they should know something within two weeks and that I should expect a letter in the mail. It’s now been almost 4 weeks and I’ve heard nothing. In this case, the item in question is only worth about $50. However, if you ever have to file a claim with our snail pace, bureaucratic postal service keep in mind that you may be waiting 3-5 months to get your money back. Furthermore, based on my own as well as other sellers that I know I would be reticent to ship to either Russia or Brazil.
It’s hard to imagine how the USPS can be this slow with all of the technology available to them.
My US tracking# won’t work on the Brazil site….am I doing something wrong??