I'm feeling hopeless.

[acezarra]

I mailed my ring to BGD to have my ring reset. Originally it was to fix loose prongs but then I decided to change the setting. I mailed it sixteen days ago insured registered mail from USPS. The tracking has twice stalled out. It took five days to get 180 miles, then it sat there for another five days. It flew quickly to Houston and has had no updates since 1 am the 3rd. I filed a claim yesterday and it was denied. Apparently this is standard procedure from the post office. They sent a letter to the delivering post office asking them to locate the package. If they don't find it, then they will have to pay. But, they have 30 days to respond. After they respond, then I can file an appeal. If that doesn't work, then I can file a claim with my own insurance.

So, basically, hurry up and wait? I have been checking the USPS tracking website hourly. The package is apparently floating in midair somewhere.

Has this happened to anyone else?? What do I do?

I know that one of two things will happen, 1) the package will be found or 2) I will eventually recover the money and search for a new stone. However, I am still sad that all of this has happened. Where is my ring???

 

[whitewave]

Gee, I just sent mine off today registered mail.

I hope it turns up soon. Most theft is from within the USPS (a solicitor for usps told me that when I had something clearly stolen from within USPS).

Stay on it! Keep us posted... the staff today told me registered mail is notoriously slow. Supposedly its the safest way, but I imagine overight via fex ex is probably safer simply because it is faster.

 

[whitewave]

I ran across a post here when doing a google search and it seems it can take 3-4 weeks sometimes to get where it is going.

(I should have fed ex'd mine today uugh)

 

[Trudii]

I have shipped many things using USPS, both expensive and inexpensive. Although it is much better than ever, their scanning is still not 100% like UPS or Fedex and things can be missed. So the fact that it hasn't been scanned regularly is not a huge red flag to me (especially depending on how you shipped). I've had many things go on little unscheduled tours of the US over the years, the worst was an eBay sale with computer printed postage going from Illinois to Portland Maine, it went to Oregon, then back to Maine.

You didn't say how you actually sent the mail - depending if it was Priority Express, Priority, First Class, Parcel Post, it can take vastly different amounts of time. My rule on how fast to ship is how crazy it will make me not knowing where the item is. I ship jewelry UPS overnight - I spend a lot on shipping.

At this point try to be positive, and if not positive then find something to distract you until you can at least not think about it constantly. I say that knowing full well I would be far from capable of taking my own advice, it isn't easy.

 

[whitewave]

Registered mail can only be sent registered mail. You can't do something like add on priority or overnight service (I asked).

 

[Trudii]

Registered mail can only be sent registered mail. You can't do something like add on priority or overnight service (I asked).

Registered Mail is an optional add on for Priority and First Class (under 1 lb), but not Priority Express. If your package was under a pound, First Class is almost half the base price of Priority and just as fast so I guess that could explain their answer. With all of the extra safe guards of registered mail, it might just take longer to change custody.

I'm sorry you're in this limbo. Try to take care of yourself while you wait for things to work out.

 

[bunnycat]

I'm sorry you are having to go through this. Registered mail is super slow...and not very good with updates. I hope they find it for you soon.

Unless they changed it in the last few years, Registered is registered. It all takes time so paying priority on top doesn't change the time sadly. I made that mistake one time.

 

[whitewave]

Apparently each person who touches the package has to sign in... I guess that is why they told me today that you can't have both priority and registered.... it takes as long as registered takes...

 

[acezarra]

I have sent registered before and it never felt like this. It is how BGD requests items be sent as it is signed for at each location. That is what is driving me crazy. If it is signed for at every location why can't they update the bleeping tracking???

I am trying not to obsess, very unsuccessfully!!!

 

[MissGotRocks]

Hang in there - it is notoriously slow but I have found it to be reliable. Yes, you would think because it is signed for at each location that they could do a much better job of tracking it but they don't.

I wouldn't give up hope yet - I think it is pretty certain to arrive. I know the waiting is torturous though. I wonder why BGD wouldn't send you a FedEx label to overnight it to them even if they billed you for the shipping?

 

[missy]

I agree with the other PSers. Mail is so slow but it will most likely get there so don't give up hope.
Sending you lots of dust for a safe arrival and a happy and blingy ending! *******DUST********

 

[jetmal]

I have sent high ticket items thru registered mail. They never update the tracking. It showed when it left my city and for days no updates. Then suddenly about 7 days later it arrived at its destination and was delivered. I signed up for text alerts right on the USPS website so that I stopped obsessively logging in every 20 minutes.

Registered mail travels under lock and key every step of the way. Hang in there ! I know it's tough.

 

[ChristineRose]

Hang in there - it is notoriously slow but I have found it to be reliable. Yes, you would think because it is signed for at each location that they could do a much better job of tracking it but they don't.

I wouldn't give up hope yet - I think it is pretty certain to arrive. I know the waiting is torturous though. I wonder why BGD wouldn't send you a FedEx label to overnight it to them even if they billed you for the shipping?

Apparently FedEx will not insure jewelry, unless you are a vendor with a contract with them. I'm guessing whatever arrangement they do or don't have doesn't include them sending a label to AnaClaire.

Here's hoping the ring has just gone on a little adventure.

 

[whitewave]

Is the tracking number 9 digits that starts with RE?

 

[acezarra]

Mine started with an RF. No idea what that means.

 

[MissGotRocks]

Hang in there - it is notoriously slow but I have found it to be reliable. Yes, you would think because it is signed for at each location that they could do a much better job of tracking it but they don't.

I wouldn't give up hope yet - I think it is pretty certain to arrive. I know the waiting is torturous though. I wonder why BGD wouldn't send you a FedEx label to overnight it to them even if they billed you for the shipping?

Apparently FedEx will not insure jewelry, unless you are a vendor with a contract with them. I'm guessing whatever arrangement they do or don't have doesn't include them sending a label to AnaClaire.

Here's hoping the ring has just gone on a little adventure.

I am sure that they have such a contract with FedEx - that's the way they ship out their pieces. I suppose it is at their discretion to offer a shipping label on a piece that's coming in but I would rather them to do that and I'd pay for it rather than wait for this protracted delivery from USPS.

 

[acezarra]

Hang in there - it is notoriously slow but I have found it to be reliable. Yes, you would think because it is signed for at each location that they could do a much better job of tracking it but they don't.

I wouldn't give up hope yet - I think it is pretty certain to arrive. I know the waiting is torturous though. I wonder why BGD wouldn't send you a FedEx label to overnight it to them even if they billed you for the shipping?

Apparently FedEx will not insure jewelry, unless you are a vendor with a contract with them. I'm guessing whatever arrangement they do or don't have doesn't include them sending a label to AnaClaire.

Here's hoping the ring has just gone on a little adventure.

I am sure that they have such a contract with FedEx - that's the way they ship out their pieces. I suppose it is at their discretion to offer a shipping label on a piece that's coming in but I would rather them to do that and I'd pay for it rather than wait for this protracted delivery from USPS.

Oh you can bet your booty I won't be shipping like that again! I have found the way to pass the time is to look for new diamonds.

 

[EvaEvans]

My last Registered mail number starts with RA, this does not have any meaning to the insurance.

AnaClare, did you file your claim after 15 days (not earlier)? What was the USPS reason to deny your claim?

I had a Registered mail that was forgotten for 30 days in the recipient local post office. They even told him, that they don't have the package and that the package was returning to me. But there was no further tracking information for 30 days! USPS denied my claim with the motive, that the package is in my local post office OR in the post office of the addressee. It was a nightmare! Finally I was helped by one of the managers.
This subject is very serious, and I don't suggest you just to wait! Call the post office where the tracking number shows last location. Talk with the manager of the post office to check their Registered mail vault.

 

[acezarra]

My last Registered mail number starts with RA, this does not have any meaning to the insurance.

AnaClare, did you file your claim after 15 days (not earlier)? What was the USPS reason to deny your claim?

I had a Registered mail that was forgotten for 30 days in the recipient local post office. They even told him, that they don't have the package and that the package was returning to me. But there was no further tracking information for 30 days! USPS denied my claim with the motive, that the package is in my local post office OR in the post office of the addressee. It was a nightmare! Finally I was helped by one of the managers.
This subject is very serious, and I don't suggest you just to wait! Call the post office where the tracking number shows last location. Talk with the manager of the post office to check their Registered mail vault.

I filed my claim 15 days after. They said it was denied because I didn't provide evidence but the woman on the phone said, "I don't understand that because I see your evidence right here." She said that a letter had been sent to the delivering post office and they had 30 days to reply by finding the package or stating it was lost. She then told me I could appeal the claim after that 30 days. My husband was like "WHAT?? That is bizarre!"

Yesterday I called again and the person on the phone was not helpful. He would not transfer me to claims. He just gave me another number to try. I called all the numbers, one was constantly busy, the other went straight to voicemail, and finally the last one was a post office that had no idea what I was talking about. She said since it was registered that didn't make sense. I think the whole process doesn't make sense. It was a total run around. I googled the consumer affairs number for my area and was able to speak with a women who was helpful (I think). She said that she was going to call the delivering post office and find out why it wasn't being delivered. She said she was going to get back to me but I haven't heard anything thus far.

I will try again today and see what happens.

ARGH!!!!!!!!

 

[whitewave]

I Can't remember what they call the post office that would be most helpful. In my area, its not the main post office. Its the one that helps with passports and has what I call a "solicitor"... he is the one who took up my theft issue.

See if you can figure out which post office that is around you and go to that one. What a pain!!!

ETA: did you call this number? 1-800-275-8777 (Shot in the dark, found online)

 

[whitewave]

Did you file a complaint online? https://www.usps.com/help/claims.htm

 

[acezarra]

Did you file a complaint online? https://www.usps.com/help/claims.htm

I have called the 800 number and filed a claim. It takes a good hour on the phone to get a live person every time I call. I am going to try the local office today.

 

[EvaEvans]

Try to find the phone number of the local post office (zip code of recipient) where the package is according the tracking. Google it. Try to talk with the manager of this local post office.
I have the feeling that USPS try to rip-off their clients and not pay the insurance claims. They (not you) have to show evidence that this package is delivered!

 

[whitewave]

Now I'm slightly frazzled. The receipt says the package will be delivered tomorrow (lol, they already told me to ignore that). I tried signing up for text alerts but it tells me I have an invalid number!!

 

[WinkHPD]

I completely understand the frustration that comes with Registered Mail. It is mostly dependable, but incredibly slow.

With Priority mail you can insure your package, I believe the current limit is $50,000 although it has been years since I checked.

I do not know how all vendors do it, but many of us have second party insurers who cover our shipments through UPS and FedEx.

I always recommend that "privates" not use FedEx to ship jewelry as the small print limits jewelry to $100 coverage. However, with the second party insurers, we get both a volume discount for the shipping and our insurance limits are much higher than the FedEx limits.

I would recommend that you ask whoever you are wanting to send a package to to send you a label with the appropriate insurance, and add that cost to your billing. They can then share the proper packaging procedures with you and they will have your package on the next day. Surprisingly, the cost is very little more than the cost for registered mail, and the value in not having to wait for a minimum of x days to file a claim, plus 30 days for the post office to respond, plus however many months later it is before you receive a final answer and recompense, makes the extra fee for the shipping VERY insignificant.

Just my thoughts on a seemingly warm 40 degree Saturday morning. The sun is shining, the dogs are wagging their tails, it must be time for a nice long walk.

Wink

 

[acezarra]

I completely understand the frustration that comes with Registered Mail. It is mostly dependable, but incredibly slow.

With Priority mail you can insure your package, I believe the current limit is $50,000 although it has been years since I checked.

I do not know how all vendors do it, but many of us have second party insurers who cover our shipments through UPS and FedEx.

I always recommend that "privates" not use FedEx to ship jewelry as the small print limits jewelry to $100 coverage. However, with the second party insurers, we get both a volume discount for the shipping and our insurance limits are much higher than the FedEx limits.

I would recommend that you ask whoever you are wanting to send a package to to send you a label with the appropriate insurance, and add that cost to your billing. They can then share the proper packaging procedures with you and they will have your package on the next day. Surprisingly, the cost is very little more than the cost for registered mail, and the value in not having to wait for a minimum of x days to file a claim, plus 30 days for the post office to respond, plus however many months later it is before you receive a final answer and recompense, makes the extra fee for the shipping VERY insignificant.

Just my thoughts on a seemingly warm 40 degree Saturday morning. The sun is shining, the dogs are wagging their tails, it must be time for a nice long walk.

Wink

I will definitely ask to have it added next time. I appreciate the information from a vendor's perspective. Makes sense as to why we can't send FedEx. I can't imagine having sent it from FedEx and then it being lost and out all that money.

I do have an update to share! The woman from my local consumer affairs office called me back and said that the Houston office finally called her. She request information in terms of where it was being shipped to and their address. (Shouldn't they have that with the tracking number?) She said she was going to call them and call me back. That was yesterday and she didn't call me back. However, at 2 am I got a text that the package had arrived. I thought that was bizarre because it is supposed to be signed for. Then at 7 it showed out for delivery. (What is going on??)

Regardless, it seems as if it has been located and should arrive. I don't think they are open on the weekends so maybe Monday?

Thank you all so much for your support. It hasn't officially arrived, but I am hopeful that it will!!

 

[EvaEvans]

Tracking updates could be very slow and coming with delay. If you have already received a notice from the vendor that they've got the package, you are all good!

 

[MissGotRocks]

That is wonderful - hopefully it will be there Monday morning! I felt certain it would arrive - it is just a very slow method!

 

[acezarra]

IT FINALLY ARRIVED! Now just to wait until my beauty returns. Thanks for all the well wishes.

 

[tyty333]