Hopefully you read our previous blog post Help! I Missed USPS Delivery! How to Reschedule, because that post addresses exactly what to do if the buyer wasn’t home to receive their package, BUT, what happens if they miss delivery multiple times? Here’s the answer:

The first missed USPS delivery is not a huge deal. Generally speaking, USPS will automatically attempt to deliver it again the following day without any effort required. However, if the delivery is missed a second, or third time, USPS will not continue to try to deliver. This means that the following will (likely) happen:

1. The package will be held at USPS for pickup. Generally USPS will hold the parcel for 7 to 25 days.
2. The buyer might be able to reschedule delivery during this time. Some post offices do allow held packages to be scheduled, others do not.  If the local post office will now allow rescheduling the buyer will have to go there and get their parcel.  
3. However if the package still is not received and 7 - 25 days have passed, the parcel is automatically marked as Return to Sender.

Now here’s the super important part…. The amount of time it takes the parcel to come back to you can vary greatly. Some parcels may arrive back in at little as 9 to 18 days after the third missed delivery. However other parcels can take MONTHS… and MONTHS.  Heck, we have even had situations where the parcel disappears forever, so as you can see, it is very important for the buyer to do whatever they can to get their merch!  Now it is time to read 8 Ways to Avoid Missing Package Deliveries