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What would you do if your DP turn up unexpectedly?

MSC archived stories - May 22, 2016

Good day!

I'm new to this MSC, so thought making a start by sharing a (long) story - short from my recent experience of a DP to Estephanie – it's a big art kit with sketching books.

The order was placed through a merchant based in Oklahoma, and USPS tracking showed that it has arrived in Guatemala City in 7 days, but in few days later back in USA (Chicago) 

We all concluded that it was heading back to the merchant, so I contacted them, and USPS launched an inquiry.

The merchant kindly refunded my money in full, even though shipping cost is usually not, but they made one-time courtesy for me 

Then 2 months later, CI confirmed that the parcel had been received (apparently in 5 days from Chicago), but USPS still don't know why it was returned from Guatemala.

Now, I offered to reimburse for the loss incurred by the merchant, but advised them to file a claim for the merchandises from USPS, so I can cover the shipping cost (138% of items cost). However, they decided not to take any further action, so what would you do in this situation?

Comments

  1. chelaka16 March 2025 at 12:47

    I had a similar thing happen to me however I sent the package myself. It arrived in Guatemala in a week and then it appeared as if it came right back. I had listed the DP as a donation and for it to be abandoned if it couldn't be deliverable. About 5 months later I got the CI response and with photos of child and his goodies. I have since learned not to put a lot of faith in what the tracking says.

    May 22, 2016

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  2. chelaka16 March 2025 at 12:48

    That merchant sounds great! I would send them a thank you note along with - if it's allowed? - a copy of the photo of Estaphanie with the gift. :)

    May 22, 2016

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  3. chelaka16 March 2025 at 12:48

    musigal
    i would not send packages any more. Just use the money to send a SNG instead. Over $100, you can specify all or part of what it is used for.

    May 22, 2016

    ReplyDelete
  4. chelaka16 March 2025 at 12:49

    I agree with musigal because I tried to send a DP once, but it was a pain in the neck. Just send an SNG instead and you can write down what you want the family to get. I usually just put down necessities and a toy(s) for the sponsored kid(s) and for some other family members to get a/an item(s) too. This is so nobody gets left out.

    May 23, 2016

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  5. chelaka16 March 2025 at 12:50

    Hi Everyone!Hope you're all fine, and thanks very much for sharing your thoughts on my first post here.Rerun1982 - I agree not to put a lot of faith in USPS tracking system - there was something awry about it. I did contact Guatemala Customs, but they couldn't trace the parcel.Pippa1 - Yes, they were very supportive throughout the whole process incl. their management! I intend to get CI to issue a certificate of recognition for the team behind organising this DP.musigal, got2luvthisworld - I too prefer SNG, but Estephanie is very special child, so sometimes what I want to send her has to come from outside. So far, I haven’t experienced any issues at Guatemala Customs.. it's just USPS making things rather difficult and confused!I just added a photo of Estephanie with the gifts.. hope you like it.

    May 23, 2016

    ReplyDelete

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