Just a few thoughts on this matter. I've used priority mail for both sending and receiving and have never had any problems. There seems to be some confusion about the delivery confirmation option. What you ge t for your 40 cents is confirmationthat the package was delivered to the address and when. It is not a tracking number like UPS uses. You can also request that the item be signed for. This is a different service and may be appropriate in some cases, such as a person who has had packages stolen from his porch or mail box. I too work during the day and have never had a problem with packages from UPS or USPS disappearing from my house before I get home. I do not like packages that must be signed for because it requires a trip to the P.O. and a long wait in line. My feeling is that the person shipping is responsible for the safe arrival of the knife, not the receiver. That being said, if priority mail is agreed upon and delivery confirmation indicates the package made it to the address the shipper has satisfied his part of the deal. I accept that risk when I agree to priority mail. If I check the confirm # and it indicates it made to my house but it is not there when I get home thats my tough luck. That being said, if I was to buy or trade for something worth north of about $200, I would probably request registered mail with a signature required. I've seen the complaints about trying to collect insurance from the USPS and personaaly I've never had to make a claim but I'm sure they would take a different view of a situation where the package was completely lost and one where delivery was indicated but the buyer claims to have not received it. As far as I'm concerned, insurance is to protect the seller and is his responsibility up to the point where the P.O. has confirmed delivery. After that it is the buyers problem.
phantom4
Peace, out Leo G.