Lost UPS Return

Buyer sent return back. UPS lost it. Confusion ensued.

The REAL way to getting your money back from that return without spending hours going in circles on the phone.

*This is UPS specific since most Amazon returns are through UPS.

1. Your buyer starts the return process. Package is accepted by UPS.

2. It starts its journey. Suddenly, the journey stops. You are following it on UPS tracking.

3. You watch. You wait. Your buyer wants to know why they don't have their refund.

4. First thing you do--file a claim with UPS for your missing return. Do this using your tracking # on UPS.com. They know where it stopped being tracked and, believe it or not, they will go looking for your package.

5. You check the status of the shipment on UPS using your tracking/shipping number. WOW. It says "Claim Issued." You are thinking what I'm thinking "They paid for their missteps of losing my return."

6. Not so fast. UPS doesn't mean that they issued a refund for your claim. They mean that they looked around and couldn't find your package so they issued a "Claim". Meaning if you do the following steps you will get your money back and can make sure your buyer is reimbursed.

7. My buyer did what they were supposed to do and when I got to this point, I reimbursed him. He shouldn't go through the agony with Amazon and UPS and waiting or looking for their money.

8. When you see "Claim Issued" on UPS tracking, it means you can now file a claim with UPS for your lost shipment. You have to call UPS to get a claim #. Call this number at UPS: 1-888-611-3856. ONLY CALL THIS NUMBER IF YOU SEE "CLAIM ISSUED" on your tracking status. It is a dedicated line for Amazon sellers at UPS for issuing the claim number. They will only issue a claim number IF you have put in the claim on-line and they have looked for your missing package.

9. You download the documents with the claim number. You file it on-line with that claim #. You will need to upload documentation: 1. the Request for Claim Payment Form (that you downloaded from UPS); 2. A copy of the original invoice; 3. Shipping record (which seems a little ridiculous since UPS already has that record and the tracking number is on their claim form.)

10. UPS doesn't make it easy to get your money back for them losing your shipment. I was unable to upload my documents on their website as instructed in their letter. So I had to call that number once again. They weren't surprised that I couldn't upload the documents they requested. Said I had to email them. If you are unable to upload on their website, call the above number and they will give you the email address to send it to. Can't put it on here, Amazon will not allow outside URLs.

11. You will be issued a paper check from UPS. It will be mailed to you so make sure you have the correct address on your forms.

That's it.

I read up on what happens when UPS loses a package and could not get a clear answer even reading Amazon generated answers. I hope this helps you and gives you clear guidance. If it does, give it a thumbs up so I know it was worth the time writing it up for everyone.