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What would you do if you receive a snake through the USPS?

I opted to respond here, vs the actual poll, because my answer doesn't fit neatly into those choices. Working from a strictly theoretical view, I would like to think that I would refuse delivery and report the incident. However, reality would likely come into play, and I would find myself considering the following (and more, I'm sure):
Is the animal likely to survive the return trip? (packaging and weather conditions come into play here)
What repercussions might I face, with either choice?
How much money do I have tied up in this deal? How likely is it that I will get it back? Can I afford to take the loss, or have the funds tied up indefinitely?
Am I in the mood to deal with the crap that follows?
 
Harald,

All logical things to ponder. The only problem might be that the mailman might be at you door package in hand waiting for your signature. He caught you completely off guard and you have now a split second to erase the surprise from your face and sign or not. Of all the things you mentioned weather was the one that had come to mind in my case. The money issue was not a factor in my hypotetical decision process. I figured that if someone was so cheap as to send a package USPS the price of the animal to be shipped would not be somehting for which I would go broke. Dealing with everything that comes after that (figthing for the refund, the discussion, etc.) it would be something to take into consideration, no doubt about it.

Regards.
 
Exactly the scenario I pictured, Dan. Me standing there with a confused look, as all the thoughts race through my mind and I try to come to a quick decision. I did say that I like to think I would refuse to sign, but thoughts of the animal's welfare would likely guide my decision. Besides, my refusing the animal, even though it was shipped illegally, would likely impact my financial concerns & the amount of crap I had to deal with as a result. Mark me as "UNDECIDED"
 
I would sign for the package without hesitation for the animals protection.

Prior to shipping I would have confirmed shipping method, I do not like being lied to and would certainly never purchase from this person again. I would set up the animal then would contact my local postmaster and let them know exactly what happened and help them with whatever investigation/prosecution they might choose to persue. After posting in the BOI I would then try to put the incident behind me.

Having worked closely with law enforcement I know that their resources are limited and the chances of them prosecuting the receiver for unknowingly receiving have got to be slim... bottom line, it could have been the latest eBay purchase being delivered too.
 
Dan, in a split second, I would do as you, sign for the package and deal with everything else afterwards.

I would really hate to be put in the situation to begin with.
 
Saw the poll first, here is my reply in that thread.
you forgot an option. Accept the package AND report it.

That is what I would probably do. I know a lot of people are leery of that, as accepting a package can get you in hot water. For the sake of the animal, and to try and give the shipper their just desserts, I would do it. As soon as I found out, I would go to the PO and ask to talk to the postmaster. If they let me know before it arrived, say they sent an e-mail or called saying, "here is the tracking number, it's already sent" I would tell the postmaster that I ordered a snake, it's suppose to arrive tomorrow, and SPECIFICALLY requested it not be sent via USPS. I would bring copies of e-mails with me to "prove" my side of the story, and also to show that I informed the sender that the reason I was specifying no USPS, was that it is illegal. If the mailcarrier showed up at my door with a package, hopefully it would "click" that wait a minute this is probably the snakes I ordered, and I would quickly explain right on the spot the situation, and let them know that not accepting it may be a death sentence, and go from there. Hopefully, I would not catch any heat in that kind of situation.
Also, I should state that....never ordering from them again is part of the option. Would seem to go without saying, but as can be seen on any number of threads, people who's ethics, morals, and even outright disregard for the law in such instance, would still continue to buy from the person.
Click to expand...
 
Michael,

Very simple, the mailman is waiting for you to sign the package :toetap05: You know it's the snake you ordered because you recognize the name of the remittent in the box :uhh: You have a split second to make up your mind. You accept it and you probably save the snake's life and a lot of headaches, you reject it and she is probably doomed, you lost your money, but no one but you will ever know. Simple dilemma uh? :mah:

Regards :)
 
The BoidSmith said:
Michael,

Very simple, the mailman is waiting for you to sign the package :toetap05: You know it's the snake you ordered because you recognize the name of the remittent in the box :uhh: You have a split second to make up your mind. You accept it and you probably save the snake's life and a lot of headaches, you reject it and she is probably doomed, you lost your money, but no one but you will ever know. Simple dilemma uh? :mah:

Regards :)
Click to expand...

Well, yes, I definitely would accept it. I don't know if I would report it to the postmaster or not.
 
12ft Retic

A few years ago a purchase a 12ft retic "actually from someone on this forum" and while waiting for it the day it was supposed to arrive I was expecting a UPS or FedEx truck to pull in. Well what did pull into the driveway was the mail lady in her Jeep Cherokee. She got out of the truck and asked me to help get a very heavy box out off the back "She had no idea" so I did and off she went. upon opening the box i was extremely surprised and upset to see that my new 12ft retic was loose inside of the plain cardboard box "I mean nothing just the retic". I can only assume that if this snake wanted to get out it probably could.

This is a picture of right after I opened the box "no joke"
retic.JPG
 
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