Problem with USPS shipment -- is this normal?

[BlueWeasel]

Situation
I mailed a processor, heatsink, and fan that I sold on the FS/FT forum to a guy in California using USPS Priority Mail (w/ insurance and tracking number). The package was shipped the Monday before Thanksgiving (November 24th). The package was shipped from Tupelo, MS and was to be delivered in Torrance, CA.

Unfortunately, I accidently put the wrong address on the label (234th Street when it should have been 239th Street).

It's now two weeks after the package shipped and I still haven't seen or heard anything about the package.

This is the only information provided using the tracking number:
- - - - -
Current Status

Your item was undeliverable as addressed at 3:29 pm on November 26, 2003 in TORRANCE, CA 90501. It is being returned if appropriate information is available.
- - - - -

If appropriate information is available!!?? My return address is clearly shown on the package.

Considering it's been two weeks, I would have expected the package back by now. I went to my local USPS and the clerk said he can't help me out until the package is scanned again. Well, it doesn't look to be getting scanned anytime soon, and appears to just be sitting in the back of some warehouse.

I've already refunded the buyer his payment and we are both waiting until we see what comes of this.

For those of you that have had a problem with USPS shipping, is this normal? What, if anything, can I do in this situation?

 

[iwearnosox]

It's normal. They hold the package at the local office for a bit to see if someone comes and claims it, you should have had the buyer go there. After a bit they will RTS it- I think the standard time is 10 days.

 

[DurocShark]

Normal. Your fault.

My worst USPS problem was a USB drive housing I was sending back east. A few days after sending it, the mailman brings it back to me, completely crushed, with tire tracks, and obviously soaking wet. Label unreadable.

Luckily I had packed the thing pretty well because the only thing that was wrong with the drive was a screw had popped out. I thoroughly tested and with the buyer's ok sent it again. All ended up well....

but WTF? They wanted to see if a postal truck could destroy my package? (Ouch, if you read that wrong it's just painful.)

 

[EagleKeeper]

Priority out - Speed - You paid for it.

Mule train back - there is no need for USPs to hurry it back, it is on their nickel now.

Regretfully you did not notice the incorrect address in time to do something about it.

Only option is to file a claim against the insurance

 

[BlueWeasel]

Yeah, I was cussing myself when I found out I shipped to the wrong address. I'm just glad the buyer is understanding of the situation, and I just sent him a PM about going by his local PO with the hope that the package is still there.

If the standard wait time is approximately 10 days though, it's probably on it's way back to me.

Thanks guys...