What I Learned from a Lost Package
Where Are You, Cats and Cherry Cake?
Lolita fashion is a wonderful hobby. Like me, you probably spend hours planning coordinates, rearranging your closet, or adding new pieces to your wardrobe. There are few things more exciting than getting a package with a new addition! So what if your anticipated package just, disappears?
Recently, I ordered Cats and Cherry Cake (technically twice, but we will get there) from Kuroshiro Kawaii. When USPS updated the status to delivered, I could not find it anywhere. My insured package was just gone! It has never been recovered. The worst part is, since it was marked as delivered, USPS denied my insurance claims. Yes, seriously! In this post and video, I'll share my tips on how to stop this from happening to you!
The Slip
What this meant for me
When I saw a redeliver slip, I was very surprised. My mail carrier always knocks on my door when my car is in the driveway so I can take my package directly. I signed the slip, and it was taken by USPS the next day, with the approval to have the item redelivered. The package status was updated to delivered, though my package has never been located.
What this could mean for you
This slip is an acknowledgement that USPS currently has the package in their possession. When you sign the paper for your package and it is taken, USPS considers this a confirmation that you received your item if it is marked as delivered in their system. That means that, even if you have insurance, you will not be reimbursed for your package.
Unless you physically exchange the slip for your package, I recommend bring the paper to your local post office. The slip will show the date when you can retrieve your mail and the specific location of the post office. This way, you can pick the item up in-person and have it in your possession.
Claims and a Search Request
What this meant for me
Since I was missing a package, I filed a claim with USPS. I filed paperwork in-person as a statement, but the sender, Kuroshiro Kawaii, had to file the claim on my behalf. Kuroshiro Kawaii opened three cases, but all of them were dismissed. Even though my package was missing (I would have LOVED to show them the lack of this adorable dress in my wardrobe) and the item was insured, USPS would not reimbursement me for the lost item. My search request is still live. The insurance was meaningless due to the delivery status.
What this could mean for you
I recommend telling the seller about the situation, opening a search request, and a claim on USPS if you do not receive your item. If anything, it will help to have a paper trail. You can open a search request and a claim on the USPS website. USPS may request that the seller open a claim on your behalf. Be sure to include all the information, like all the details about the item, tracking, and the circumstances of the disappearance.
Sent it Elsewhere
What this meant for me
After this, I will never sent packages to my home. I now send all my items to my PO BOX.
Callista Marie
31 Gorham Rd
#1152
Scarborough, ME 04074-1152
What this could mean for you
If you'd like to have your package delivered elsewhere, you can. If you have a friend or family member with a more secure location, there is a good chance that you can have your package delivered to their address.
If you connect with your boss, there may be a chance you can have your packages delivered at your workplace. Even when the office is closed on the weekends, the post office may keep the package until a weekday or leave it in a secure area.
Lastly, and this option does cost a fee, you can buy a PO BOX. A PO BOX allows you to have mail or packages delivered to the post office. USPS offers additional paperwork you can fill out to get a street address for your PO BOX. With this address, you can ignore those messages that say your package can't be sent to a PO BOX. Also, since the address is updated FedEX, DHL, USP, USPS and more can deliver packages to your PO BOX.
If you are worried about the size of your PO BOX, don't be! You'll get a yellow slip that explains that your items couldn't fit in your box. You can bring that slip to the post office lobby and exchange it for your package. You can also find a key that is for a package storage locker! You can simply use the key to the matching locker to retrieve your item.
So, what happened with Cats and Cherry Cake?
My original dress has never been recovered. I cannot express my appreciation for the Kuroshiro Kawaii staff enough! They did everything they could to stand by me and have discontinued working with USPS completely for their business. They have had issues with USPS in addition to my terrible experience. I'm in awe and will continue to support KSK!
Kuroshiro Kawaii helped me order another Cats and Cherry Cake JSK in the blue colorway. After all that time, I finally tried the dress on and couldn't move past the memories. Essentially, I paid double the amount for this dress, and I couldn't get past that.
Have you ever had a lolita package get lost? Do you have any tips for me? I'd love to read your response!
Stay Frilly~
“I feel sorry for your experience, but you really took it well. In your place, I would probably panick :D. This yet have to happen to me, but if it will, I will totally use you tips.”
“Damn! That is a really horrible experience.
I am very lucky and never had a lost parcel.”
“I had actually ordered something from Lady Sloth that... well. The packaging arrived LOL the only problem was that there was nothing in it. The post office dropped it off in a ziploc bag =_= I contacted the brand and they actually ended up replacing the item at no cost after I sent the photos of the empty package.
If this happens when buying secondhand I do recommend to reach out to your seller if at all possible to handle on their end, because many packages have tracking insurance for partial reimbursement— I know USPS priority includes $50.00 of coverage and it’s not that much more to insure the whole dress.”