how should i handle this trouible in Cincinnati

nubs · #1 05-02-2007, 08:51 AM

i found a listing on craigslist from Cincinnati.....guys wants to trade a 5 string for a 4 string....we talk over email for a day, he sends me a tracking number from USPS, bass is shipped 4/17. i ship next day UPS 4/18. He receives my bass 4/20....today is 5/2 and i have nothing, the USPS tracking system is completly bogus, supplies no information but that a package was received at a Cincinnati postal facility to be shipped. I have contacted the "shipper" and he seems to still be on the "up and up" but i am beginning to get concerned. the bass was insured, but the shipper has to make the claim, he also states he will return my bass or the money....i am getting ticked off and bummed out all at the same time. any TBers from Cincinnati willing to go to bat for me?

bradjonesbass · #2 05-02-2007, 10:01 AM

Do NOT under any circumstances accept a Money Order, Personal Check, Certified Check or anything other than cash from this guy. You may want to involve the police before too long as well. I'm assuming you still have the emails with the shipping address and all that?

nubs · #3 05-02-2007, 11:32 AM

yes i have every email...etc. get the police involved how? what should i do next? i am confused frustrated, i don't know how to handle this and where to go or wht to do, someone direct me please...help help help.....what am i supposed to call the Cincinnati police and say this guys stole my bass, or what?

Hollow Man · #4 05-02-2007, 11:46 AM

I would file a claim with the USPS before you run to the police. As frequently as packages get lost, they're not going to expend the manpower to track this guy down unless there's some proof that he has legitimately ripped you off, and that's going to take some more info from USPS.

If this guy refuses to help with the claims process, you may have a case, but the Cincinnati police are too busy arresting Bengals players to hunt down someone who may have merely allowed USPS to lose his package.

Busker · #5 05-02-2007, 01:19 PM

I hope you get the bass, and are dealing with an honest person.

I've shipped literally thousands of packages (I sell on ebay). I've had only one that I remember go lost. And that was because I wrote the zip code wrong. I doubt you're dealing with a lost package. The chances are slim, IMO, just going by my experience. If he was careless on writing down your zip code, then that could be the problem.

You actually typed the Delivery Confirmation number in at the USPS website?

Yes, the USPS delivery confirmation number is next to useless for tracking. The P.O. will probably tell you it's not meant to be a tracking number, just to show something was scanned and delivered.

nubs · #6 05-02-2007, 04:33 PM

if an address was written incorrectly or missing a digit in the zip code what not, how long does one typically have to wait before this package shows up, days, months years what???

Busker · #7 05-02-2007, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nubs

if an address was written incorrectly or missing a digit in the zip code what not, how long does one typically have to wait before this package shows up, days, months years what???

Well, the package that I screwed up by writing the wrong zip code on?

You'd think a Post Office employee would simply look up the address and correct the zip code (I only had the last two digits transposed). But instead, the package went into limbo for close to 2 months before it was finally returned to sender (me). Meanwhile, I had to reimburse the buyer. I'm not saying this will happen to you, it may have been the worst case scenario that happened to me.

Good luck, hope all turns out well. But 2 weeks now and no bass. It's not looking good. I'm sorry.

nubs · #8 05-03-2007, 09:43 AM

all that worry for nuthin' it came today.....
just got a little freaked when the PO told me they didn't even have a departure scan for this package, oh well...... its over. the end!

DaveDeVille · #9 05-03-2007, 10:04 AM

wow , i'm glad that worked out for you ...

i've never had any problems using USPS ,
and they have always been very helpful whenever i had questions ...
again , i'm glad you got your bass .

got pictures ??

Busker · #10 05-03-2007, 01:20 PM

That's great! You must be very relieved.

nubs · #11 05-04-2007, 07:19 AM

i don't have any actual pics but i have the pic from fenders website. will post some of the actual soon

this bass was brand spanking new. one tiny ding, on the back nothing at all major, the neck feels as if its never been played, i am iin the process of switching over from 4's to 5's....i am buying a 55-01 from a TBer next friday, and i am sure this will be my mainstay....this is a nice bass, plays pretty well for a MIM, will mod it little by little, make it active, add a badass V to her and will be set..... I am happy.