Package might be lost :(

[Rhini]

So as a newish seller I'm not quite sure what to do at this point. I sent a package to Otono in Argentina over a month ago, and it's still not there  It was shipped Jan 26, and I hope maybe it's just held up in customs for whatever reason and will still get shipped, but I can't find the the receipt with the customs # to check.

At this point, what should my next actions be?

[FantasticFirefly]

It can take a month for a package to be sent, clear customs and arrive to me in Canada from the US at times.... of course, in the future hold onto receipts. You could kindly ask the buyer to be a bit more patient and perhaps someone more familiar with shipping to Argentina has a better idea on how long parcels normally take to arrive to that country. If insurance was purchased you will have to find the receipt if you need to make a claim.

[lovesbabysquirmy]

Finding your receipt with the tracking number so you can make a post office claim!

[bluerose9978]

I shipped a package to Argentina in February and it hasn't arrived either. It usually takes about a month or more when shipping first class. Hold onto customs numbers and receipts. They are your best bet for tracking and proof of shipment when sending first class.

[Zombelina]

I wouldn't worry TOO much yet, hun; I've had packages take close to three months internationally and arrive safe and sound in the end! A month and a half isn't SO bad, relatively speaking.  Is your buyer worried/upset? I would ask them how long it usually takes for them to receive packages from the US. You can also offer a refund, and they can repay you if/when it shows up. And I would definitely look for the receipt, so you can be prepared to go after the PO about it (to track it down or to make an insurance claim) if it still doesn't turn up.

[ponylady]

I wouldn't worry just yet.  Just keep good communications and as LBS mentioned find your receipt and perhaps show her a picture of it.  It may help relieve the stress of it not being there yet.

[tulagirl]

One thing I do if you are afraid you might lose a receipt is to scan it into  your computer.  Its a perfect way to  have a copy of it should the hard copy disappear.  I sure hope you can find your original receipt and that the package shows up.  Thats so stressful.

[ponylady]

That's a great idea Tula.  I have a specific folder by my desk, so as soon as I get back from the PO, in it goes.  That way it's not floating somewhere around my desk for it to eventually wind up in the trash.

[Vintergatan]

I sent her a package over a month ago and she hasn't answered my PMs when I asked her if they had arrived. I just assumed that it did arrive, but now i don't know :S

[Ringlets]

I wouldn't worry just yet.  Just keep good communications and as LBS mentioned find your receipt and perhaps show her a picture of it.  It may help relieve the stress of it not being there yet.

This is  what I would advise too - it always helps to show the buyer the receipt when parcels are late. I do think this one is prolly held up in customs . Vintergarten , try not to worry either. Your parcel may have arrived, but if it hasnt then she will have to contact you eventually. You've kept in contact with her anyways

[Rhini]

thanks for weighing in everyone. I can't find the receipt since it's been so long, but if it's still not there in another month, I'll go from there and see what I can do to work out a fair refund. 

Is there any way to check with usps to see if they could get me the customs #? Since they do enter all that into the computer.