Newbie seller


I've sold some audio equipment for the first time and am a little perplexed at what is happening.  Would appreciate comments so I can avoid problems again.

First time out was intentionally low risk: Schiit Modi 3 and Vali 2 for $175 on US Audio.  PayPal, buyer pays shipping.  Insurance was through US Audio's recommended 3rd party insurer.  Original packaging, plenty of pictures. 

I was immediately contacted by a guy in Portland.  He has about 25 purchases on record at USAudio, mostly of Schiit products.  Good seller comments.  I issued the invoice and he paid via PayPal.  However, because I am a first time seller PayPal put a hold on the funds pending proof of delivery.

Next day 6/23 I shipped via USPS parcel select, adult signature required.  Tracking shows item got to Portland 6/29, moved around Portland USPS facilities until 7/2, then nothing.  Never even went out for delivery. 

To my surprise on 7/15 PayPal released the funds to my account.  I filed a missing package form with USPS but they haven't found the package.  Can't submit an insurance claim until 7/23 (30 days).  Not a peep from the buyer! 

I'm perplexed at that.  I plan on filing an insurance claim on Saturday, even though I have the money.  As I understand it the buyer has plenty of time to file a claim with PayPal saying he never got delivery, and rightly so.  Would you guys have done things differently?  There's not much at stake here, but if I sell (or buy) anything of substantial value I want to do it right and minimize my risk.  Comments are appreciated.

Ag insider logo xs@2xtreepmeyer

USPS is notorious for taking forever in the event a claim is filed which brings to the fore my first point.  Avoid USPS unless using priority mail and limit that as well.  Priority mail only for small  light weight packages--ship anything over 10 lbs or so via FEDEX or UPS.     

There is no difference in quality or reliability of service using FEDEX or UPS ,  while one may cost less that doesnt really matter in terms of how well the carrier processes your package.  There are all kinds of stories online re/poor handling to put it mildly.     I have been selling on Audiogon since 03 and the first order of business is pack your item as if it may be tossed off a train as its quite common for packages to fall off a 6 foot high conveyor at the hub.    As far as your delivery goes it would be quite a rare situation for a buyer to not contact a seller re/non delivery.   Likely he got it.