I don't know if this experience is uncommon, but for those of you who have not had the pleasure of dealing with the USPS and filing claims for losses, I thought I'd post a warning.

A couple of years ago I sent some chips to a collector in Europe. He sent me a $100 bill, which arrived here. Unfortunately, the chips did not reach him. I'd sent them Global Priority. Because he didn't receive them after a reasonable time, I returned his $100 bill, this time sending it registered mail. It didn't arrive either.

After waiting a reasonable amount of time (another 3 months, as I recall) - now almost a year after the original shipment - I filed a claim with the USPS. It took almost 9 months for the USPS to tell me that because this was international mail, my claim for $100, if allowed, would only be paid at the rate of about $41. Something about the international postal agreement. In another 3 or 4 months, I received a denial of the claim in full. Why? Because the registered mail contained currency, for which USPS says it will not pay claims.

Stupid me - I always thought that registered mail was the way USPS said one should mail currency, stock certificates, anything of any significant value. Obviously I was wrong.

The chips are gone, so I'm out $100. The European collector never got the chips or his $100 refund, so he's out $100. (Although to his great credit and generosity, he's been very understanding and hasn't blamed me for the mess.) And the post office stays unconcerned.

I can only hope my experience is unique.

Michael