There's no tracking number unless you send via certified (or registered) mail. Most sellers that I've bought from do send me an email giving the tracking number, but some don't. Since you didn't state in your ad that you would provide a tracking number, it's certainly not a requirement. I don't think I'd send the buyer another email at this point, and if she sends you another requesting a tracking number, just tell her that per the terms of the listing for the item, you ship regular mail. End of story. ;-)

So the sellers we get a tracking number from..where did they get it because usually the items are sent priority mail?

Hopefully the seller understands. I also think she's the one that lives in CA. I'm in PA so it may take more than a day to get there ya know.

Sorry, my mistake -- sellers can also provide tracking numbers by using USPS Delivery Confirmation for an additional fee (instead of certified/registered). See the link for details.

Here is a link that might be useful: Delivery Confirmation

Hmm..thanks AuntJen. Am I off the hook since I didn't mention that in my listing?

I would think so. It's not a requirement, and you didn't indicate you were providing delivery confirmation, so I really think it's a non-issue.

I think good communication is the key to buying and especially selling on Ebay. If I couldn't get something in the mail when I said, I would have dropped her an email with an apology and quick explanation.

Stuff happens. As a buyer, I just appreciate knowing when things come up and the seller isn't able do what they said they would do. As a seller, I cover my butt. :+)

I love my 100% positive feedback.

Golddust I could've been clearer in what I wrote above but you misread the part about I sent an email. " I sent the buyer an email explaining and said I would have it off Tueday since Monday was Labor Day. This was still within the three days. "

I did send the seller an apology email about not being able to send it when I said. I sent it the same day. I also value my 100% feedback which I why I sent the email.

Shee, always include Delivery Confirmation when you send packages. It's your protection against a buyer who claims the package never arrived. If you send your item by Priority Mail and print the label yourself through PayPal then Delivery Confirmation is included for free. And the additional benefit is that you and the buyer can track the package online.

I do believe that if the buyer "reports" you to eBay that you will be required to refund the money if you can't provide confirmation that you mailed the item. Most "seasoned" eBayers know this and will be quick to file a complaint if the item doesn't show up and no tracking number is provided.

I think I would just wait and see what happens. I don't always have a tracking number. She's probably already got her package anyway.

Red

Shee, sorry. I wasn't blaming you for anything you did wrong. I was privately shuddering about my own Ebay fears on your watch.

If you didn't say there would be a tracking number, you certainly don't have to provide one. Just educate them about the saver shipping route. Hopefully you didn't over charge on shipping as that might be the only reason I can think of for someone leaving less than 100% positive feedback.

If someone is charging me first rate shipping, then I expect first rate shipping. Of course, some people don't realize that all packages don't come with tracking. Besides, USPS tracking numbers are useless. They *never* work. I think they use fronts for tracking without the technology to back up the useless numbers they provide.

FED EX and UPS, yes. With them, I can follow my shipments from anywhere, right to my doorstep, accounting for every stop.

USPS tracking numbers only work after the package has been delivered. It is not really a tracking number, but a delivery confirmation number. You can't check the progress at it is transported. You can only check that it has been delivered.

Shee - I think you're fine. Only issue would be if the girl claims she didn't get it.

Sorry I'm just now getting back to this. Got in from our trip last night and was beat.

Golddust - It's ok. I took what you were saying wrong. 'Besides, USPS tracking numbers are useless. They *never* work'

I agree! Every one I ever had and tried to check didn't work. I'm familiar with FedEx and UPS and love the tracking feature.

I didn't hear anything back from the buyer. Hopefully she got her package and all is well. The shipping was "free". In the future I think I'll do the whole delivery conformation thing to cover my butt.

Thanks to everyone for all the thoughts and advice!