I purchased a watch from eBay about a week ago and got this message a couple of days ago when looking at the tracking. I tried calling the Consumer Affairs Office and left a couple of voicemails but still no response. This is the first time I have encountered this...has anybody ever had this happen to them?
Did you have tracking? If so, go to the tracking website. There's an 800 number for filing a trace. They should be able to find it.
There are two reasons it is where it is. First, if it had a Ronald Regan forever stamp on it it's not lost, they just don't remember where they put it. Second, The USPS is very similar to the Lilly Tomlin SNL phone lady character from the 70's. They are the Post Office, they can do anything they like. There is nothing you can do about it. Wait until you try to get a claimed process.
Good luck. Sometimes (but not nearly enough) the USPS surprises me with appropriate or good service. Most of the time they miss shipping dates significantly and their communications outright sucks.
From what I've found online, it's heading to the dead mail facility in Georgia. There's not too much info on how to contact the facility though or the process of getting it back.
As I said, if you have a tracking number (and insurance), you can file a claim and they'll, miraculously, find it.
GO to your local Post Office. They have powers see things (history) and to do things you can not and they can make contact that you can't.
I had a dead mail watch that died in Memphis. Never saw her again. Make sure you file insurance claim before the deadline.
The fact that this happened within a week after mailing implies (at least to me) that the package either got wet or damaged to the point that the address (and return address) became illegible. I would certainly take Steve's advice and ask to see your local postmaster. The clerk at the window might be very nice, but I doubt they will have connections to get the package sent from the "dead letter office" to your post office for identification. A local or regional postmaster has that level of authority. Keep track of your dates. It's probably too soon to file an insurance claim (make sure your seller took it out), but I would open a case with eBay or your credit card company ASAP. gatorcpa
I'm surprised you provided sound advice to the OP without first berating him for not taking the U.S. Postal Service exam.