Whom do I contact?

amidtb994 · 10-16-2010, 09:50 AM - **1 Like**

Hey Guys, I am not sure if this thread has to be posted somewhere else, but I'll let it pass.
So, recently, My dad ordered a Pentax SMC 50MM F:1.7 for the K-x that I have, which was to be my first prime, from ebay. Now, the guy on ebay says that he has shipped it, and has also mailed us some pics of the lens having been packed and ready for shipping (he has got a 99.9% +ve review). The shipping method was non-trackable. He shipped it from US (I dont remember the city) to Ahmedabad, India.
Now, the problem is that it's been almost a month now, and the lens has still not arrived. It never took any of the other photographic items that we have ordered from ebay so long to reach, and now I think the lens has either lost it's way or there's something fishy about the guy. I have no clue whom to contact so as to know where the lens is right now. Anybody's got any idea whom to speak to????

Attached Images

CaymanImaging · 10-16-2010, 09:54 AM

You can see from the picture that is was mailed from Middleton, Wisconsin.

CaymanImaging · 10-16-2010, 09:55 AM

Zip code is 53562. Maybe get the phone number for that post office and call them??

Raylon · 10-16-2010, 10:12 AM

To me it looks like a genuine case of lost package. Have you tried talking to the seller?

amidtb994 · 10-16-2010, 10:45 AM

Originally posted by Raylon

To me it looks like a genuine case of lost package. Have you tried talking to the seller?

Yes, my dad had contacted him about a week ago, and he told us that it would be better to wait for a few more days for it to arrive. There's not been any other advice from him thereafter.

Raylon · 10-16-2010, 11:18 AM

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.

bobell69 · 10-16-2010, 11:22 AM

If you paid for it using paypal and a visa card you maybe able to eventually claim the undelivered item through your visa insurance.

**eccs19** · 10-16-2010, 11:42 AM

I've sent & received stuff from the USA (I'm in Canada), and I've had it sometimes take over a month, and we are neighbors, so I wouldn't panic yet. I think you've got 45 days to wait, and you can file with Paypal, but I do have to agree, I don't think it would be the sellers issue. I would wait another week, and see what happens, then if needed, file a claim with Paypal. (assuming that's how you paid)

Steelski · 10-16-2010, 12:04 PM

I sent something from the UK to a guy in Japan (a Pentakon 6 if you must know) it took almost 2 months.

jgmankos · 10-16-2010, 12:25 PM

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.

Smolk · 10-16-2010, 12:57 PM

I had to wait 7-8 weeks for something that shipped by surface mail, via this forum. It did arrive in the end although I feared it was lost. If you can find out how it is supposed to get to you, and it isn't sea, best just to have patience.

JayBee · 10-17-2010, 06:32 AM

Per USPS:
Processed through Sort Facility, September 20, 2010, 11:07 pm, OAK CREEK, WI 53154
Acceptance, September 20, 2010, 1:49 pm, MIDDLETON, WI 53562
That info plus the photo add up to pretty reliable confirmation that the package was indeed sent. It's only been 4 weeks - I wouldn't be too concerned yet. 4 to 6 weeks is normal.

JeffJS · 10-17-2010, 07:46 AM

Originally posted by jgmankos

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.

Judging from the postal stamp (top of box between postage sticker and return address label) he did send it. The lens is probably banging around the customs depot in India or on somebody else's camera there or in the hospital's postal room.

glanglois · 10-17-2010, 08:36 AM

The advice here about patience is correct. These things take time.

If it makes a difference, I have met this gentleman and he seems a very decent guy. I bought some odds and ends from him - met him at his home and all seemed in order.

Pentax Forums is a wonderful thing ......

amidtb994 · 10-22-2010, 11:43 PM

Originally posted by JeffJS

Judging from the postal stamp (top of box between postage sticker and return address label) he did send it. The lens is probably banging around the customs depot in India or on somebody else's camera there or in the hospital's postal room.

The lens cost me around 4000 Rs. and in India, customs levy on items which cost only more than 10,000Rs. So, I dont think it would be lying in customs depot.

10-16-2010, 09:50 AM - 1 Like	#1
amidtb994 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India Photos: Albums Posts: 39	Whom do I contact? Hey Guys, I am not sure if this thread has to be posted somewhere else, but I'll let it pass. So, recently, My dad ordered a Pentax SMC 50MM F:1.7 for the K-x that I have, which was to be my first prime, from ebay. Now, the guy on ebay says that he has shipped it, and has also mailed us some pics of the lens having been packed and ready for shipping (he has got a 99.9% +ve review). The shipping method was non-trackable. He shipped it from US (I dont remember the city) to Ahmedabad, India. Now, the problem is that it's been almost a month now, and the lens has still not arrived. It never took any of the other photographic items that we have ordered from ebay so long to reach, and now I think the lens has either lost it's way or there's something fishy about the guy. I have no clue whom to contact so as to know where the lens is right now. Anybody's got any idea whom to speak to???? Attached Images

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10-16-2010, 09:54 AM	#2
CaymanImaging Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Albuquerque, NM Photos: Gallery Posts: 194	You can see from the picture that is was mailed from Middleton, Wisconsin.

10-16-2010, 09:55 AM	#3
CaymanImaging Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Albuquerque, NM Photos: Gallery Posts: 194	Zip code is 53562. Maybe get the phone number for that post office and call them??

10-16-2010, 10:12 AM	#4
Raylon Guest	To me it looks like a genuine case of lost package. Have you tried talking to the seller?

10-16-2010, 10:45 AM	#5
amidtb994 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India Photos: Albums Posts: 39 Original Poster	Originally posted by Raylon To me it looks like a genuine case of lost package. Have you tried talking to the seller? Yes, my dad had contacted him about a week ago, and he told us that it would be better to wait for a few more days for it to arrive. There's not been any other advice from him thereafter.

10-16-2010, 11:18 AM	#6
Raylon Guest	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.

10-16-2010, 11:22 AM	#7
bobell69 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Courtenay BC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 498	If you paid for it using paypal and a visa card you maybe able to eventually claim the undelivered item through your visa insurance.

10-16-2010, 11:42 AM	#8
eccs19 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Lisle, Ontario Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,510	I've sent & received stuff from the USA (I'm in Canada), and I've had it sometimes take over a month, and we are neighbors, so I wouldn't panic yet. I think you've got 45 days to wait, and you can file with Paypal, but I do have to agree, I don't think it would be the sellers issue. I would wait another week, and see what happens, then if needed, file a claim with Paypal. (assuming that's how you paid)

10-16-2010, 12:04 PM	#9
Steelski Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Varna Posts: 470	I sent something from the UK to a guy in Japan (a Pentakon 6 if you must know) it took almost 2 months.

10-16-2010, 12:25 PM	#10
jgmankos Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Lehigh Valley, PA Photos: Gallery Posts: 518	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.

10-16-2010, 12:57 PM	#11
Smolk Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Eerbeek Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,854	I had to wait 7-8 weeks for something that shipped by surface mail, via this forum. It did arrive in the end although I feared it was lost. If you can find out how it is supposed to get to you, and it isn't sea, best just to have patience.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
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10-17-2010, 06:32 AM	#12
JayBee Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Manitoba Photos: Gallery Posts: 119	Per USPS: Processed through Sort Facility, September 20, 2010, 11:07 pm, OAK CREEK, WI 53154 Acceptance, September 20, 2010, 1:49 pm, MIDDLETON, WI 53562 That info plus the photo add up to pretty reliable confirmation that the package was indeed sent. It's only been 4 weeks - I wouldn't be too concerned yet. 4 to 6 weeks is normal.

10-17-2010, 07:46 AM	#13
JeffJS Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Michigan, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,484	Originally posted by jgmankos 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. Judging from the postal stamp (top of box between postage sticker and return address label) he did send it. The lens is probably banging around the customs depot in India or on somebody else's camera there or in the hospital's postal room.

10-17-2010, 08:36 AM	#14
glanglois Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Madison, Wis., USA Posts: 1,506	The advice here about patience is correct. These things take time. If it makes a difference, I have met this gentleman and he seems a very decent guy. I bought some odds and ends from him - met him at his home and all seemed in order. Pentax Forums is a wonderful thing ......

10-22-2010, 11:43 PM	#15
amidtb994 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India Photos: Albums Posts: 39 Original Poster	Originally posted by JeffJS Judging from the postal stamp (top of box between postage sticker and return address label) he did send it. The lens is probably banging around the customs depot in India or on somebody else's camera there or in the hospital's postal room. The lens cost me around 4000 Rs. and in India, customs levy on items which cost only more than 10,000Rs. So, I dont think it would be lying in customs depot.