I was a strong believer, that if there wasw an error in a mailing, and I followed the right rules and such, made the proper claim gave over all the right information that was requested, I would get a refund from the United States Postal Service and a credit back to my account.

How wrong was I?

First, I had a buyer, who paid by paypal for the item, including the postage, $16.35 US currency with tracking.I went to paypal that night, clicked on the print usps printable label. I did so. To be informed by the United states Postal SErvice, that their site was down for routine maintenance.  I can print my label later.  You have 48 hours, to do this in. No problem, I was up early the next day, I did my errands came home went to paypal, clicked on the guys information, and paypal informed me that I had already printed up a label, would I need a duplicate?  I clicked yes, I need to be able to mail this guys stuff out.  How wrong was I?

Again, the United States Postal Service website is down for routine maintenance, and now paypal is giving me problems as well.  Later that day after work, I came home went to paypal, their site is down for maintenance as well.  Check back later.Great.  Now it is past the 48hour mark, I have no US Customs form to mail, I have no tracking form and no postage paid for.  I start my next day off with emails to paypal and the united states postal service.

The fourth day, I take everything to the United States Postal SErvice, and talk with the general manager, he assures me, i should receive my refund since I now have a new receipt from the United States Postal SErvice, and the fact that I paid the same amount twice. $16.35 with tracking and delivery confirmation on top of that.

Guess what-paypal informed me that on 04february that in 21 calender days, I should receive my $16.35 credit back to my account. Here it is the 22 of March, still no refund. I now have stopped using the us postal service, and am now using the UPS store.  I send anything out to a buyer, it goes UPS with delivery confirmation, you have a UPS drop station, guess what-I can send it there too!

So be leary, everyone, the United States Postal SErvice is getting another stamp increase, to .41-cents.  Raising the rates, guaranteeing a refund when you submit this form and this form and this form, and when the dust settles and proves they were in the wrong, and caught with their pants down-you get no refund!  And be leary, about this part.Even though Paypal will guarantee the refund, they can't pay you until they get it from the United States Postal Service.  Sort of like Social Security-you overpay there-try and get the money back!  Fat Chance.