It was a lesson I learned the hard way.
I sent an important letter to my daughter in Madrid. Since we were worried about the letter getting lost, I paid $32.64 to have her sign for it.
Two weeks passed, and the letter hadn’t arrived. I looked for the receipt with the tracking number, and I couldn’t find it.
I checked the internet to see if I could get the tracking number from the Post Office. The AI quick answer feature said no.
I waited a week or so and checked at the Post Office. The AI was wrong. The Post Office does keep the tracking numbers for accountable mail, the class of mail my letter is in.
As soon as the postal clerk handed me a copy of the receipt for the letter with the tracking number, I took a photo of it with my cell phone.
It’s a consumer tip I recommend: Immediately after you get a receipt for important mail, take a photo of the tracking number.
It’s ironic I misplaced the receipt. I’ve written many times in my consumer articles and blogs that you need to keep receipts so you’ll have them if you need to return an item.
I have dozens, probably even hundreds of receipts, but just not the one I needed.
The important letter I sent my daughter? All we know is that an attempted delivery was made and the letter is still in Spain.
