Originally posted by Raylon Well, if it really is a lost package issue, it's as much out of his hands as it is yours. Did he get insurance? I know you can get insurance without tracking.
You cannot buy insurance on packages mailed USPS First Class international, only for Priority Mail International. I buy & sell alot of gear online, both here and on eBay. I stress to buyers outside the US that if they must insist on saving a few dollars on shipping by opting for first class....that I cannot be responsible for lost packages. Unfortunately, without a confirmed delivery, sellers can still be at risk for Paypal claims even though buyers are aware of this limitation.
I sympathize with the buyer in this case, it sucks not receiving something you've paid for...however I can also sympathize with the seller....as someone who once lost $250 on a sale when a buyer INSISTED on using first class on a lens I sent overseas, and even though I made him aware that the package could not be tracked or insured and I wouldn't be responsible for lost/damaged packages...I still wound up losing a paypal claim because I couldn't prove delivery. Lesson learned for me was, that on items worth more than $50...I absolutely no longer will ship First Class. Just too much risk if I can't insure it, and can't confirm delivery.
As for the OP...I really hope this works out for you. Just keep in mind there's a very good chance the seller really did sent this lens, and by the looks of the package there's no way he could have had insurance on it because it looks like it went out First Class. Of course it could just be delayed (I don't know how your postal system is there in India)...could be hung up in customs, or it could have been stolen somewhere along the line by an unscrupulous package handler (it happens). Keep that in mind...maybe if it doesn't show up you could work it out with the seller and split the loss or something. And keep in mind for next time...it's generally a good idea to spend the $10 or so extra for Priority Mail Int'l.