Amazon, USPS Actually Let You Buy Unclaimed Deliveries À La ‘Mystery Boxes’
Image via Julie Clopper / Shutterstock.com
One of the most frustrating first-world annoyances is when delivery packages don’t show up. You’d be left to figure out what went wrong—could it be the work of an unethical neighbor? Did the delivery driver send the parcel to the wrong address? Or is it just late?
Despite next-day delivery becoming a ubiquitous part of modern life, one might hardly ever stop to think about what happens to those that don’t make it to the correct person. Turns out, according to TikTok creators, these packages are then put on sale, surprise boxes-style.
If parcels remain unclaimed for several months, delivery companies such as Amazon and the United States Postal Service (USPS) eventually end up putting them up for auction, with some buyers selling or trading such boxes at local meetups—really.
Buyers have reportedly scored items such as socks, gift cards, Nike sneakers, and even luxury purses. Most of the time, you’ve no idea what you’re getting, but some auctions do reveal the packages’ contents so you know what you’re bidding for.
According to CNET, if a package at the USPS isn’t collected within 90 days, it goes on auction at GovDeals, the postal service’s official resale partner. While some packages are sold individually, there are also lots for sale—for those interested in picking through a whole range of items. Buyers are able to choose categories of goods they’re interested in, such as beauty products, sporting goods, or clothing.
Another site that hosts such auctions is Liquidation, which allows users to select which delivery provider they’d like to purchase the packages from. Its directory includes big names such as Target, Walmart, Home Depot, and Amazon. As with the USPS’ sales, some items are revealed beforehand, while others are kept secret with only the estimated retail price as a clue.
Apart from designated websites, CNET reported that some packages are also sold or exchanged during local meetups. Swap Madness, a website that helps buyers identify vendors, is a quick tool for those interested to keep up-to-date with package trades in the area.
One key thing to note is that buyers are usually liable for the shipping charges, so the value of the item you receive may go down significantly if delivery is costly.
It’s also important to remain cautious when purchasing from individual sellers, especially online. As these boxes are often sealed, with the sellers not revealing what’s inside, package exchanges are rife with scammers.
To be safe, it’s best to read online reviews of the website or seller you’re planning on purchasing from before taking the plunge.
Tempted to play “lucky dip” with unclaimed parcels? It’s definitely a game of chance—you could end up with an Xbox, or a photo frame Grandma ordered.
[via CNET, cover image via Julie Clopper / Shutterstock.com]
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