Random Sorta Ethical Question-- What would you do? (sorta long)

So-- we have been living in our apt now for almost a year and a half-- Days before Christmas- we got a package delivered, left outside our door (which we did not sign for) addressed to the previous owners.

Now-- in the time that we have been living here-- there has been a ton of mail we still get for them-- including one of their credit card bills and their monthly bill for storage of their baby's cord blood-- things you should obviously change the address on. I always put together a package for them and send to their new address-- with not so much as a thank you- nor, had they changed the address since we continued to get these pieces of mail. When we got the package, I was like great-- now this is something we need to deal with for them again.

When we closed on our apt-- I specifically asked for their phone # for instances like this-- all I got was their address. So, when we got the package-- I called our lawyer who handled the closing--to get their phone # so I could call them and tell them about the package-- I certainly was not going to pay to ship it to them, and I felt sending a note would be silly for a package--

Anyway-- as I said before, it was right before the holidays-- and things started to get hectic. I never heard back from the lawyer, I got slammed at work and forgot about it. I kept meaning to send them a note-- and just kept forgetting-- then we went away, etc., you know how it goes-- all of a sudden it's February.

So now-- we still have this stupid box from the Gap- -which is probably something they just ordered, forgot to change the shipping address on-- and probably have already been credited for.

Today, I said to DH-- let's send the note to the previous owners and get this box taking care of already-- he said-- I am not sending a note and telling them we have had this box for a month and a half now-- I want no part of it.

I have no idea what to do-- I am embarassed a little-- but, these people are making work for me and I tried to reach out to them via our lawyers and never heard back-- and then just got busy with other stuff-- the last month has seriously been INSANE.

Should we still reach out to them-- or, just forget it-- open the stuff and give it to charity or something??

Re: Random Sorta Ethical Question-- What would you do? (sorta long)

Truthfully at this point any mail I received would be back in my mailbox with moved written on it.

Re: Random Sorta Ethical Question-- What would you do? (sorta long)

Re: Random Sorta Ethical Question-- What would you do? (sorta long)

Legally, it's not yours to do with as you please. I agree, however, that these people need to get their act together and you have been more than patient with them. I would send a final reminder about the change of address and let them know that they have a package waiting for them and need to pick it up in a VERY short period of time at my convenience. If not, the package will be returned to sender as will all future letters and packages. I would, also, send this certified mail. If anything should arise in the future where they claim you have destroyed or refuse to give them their mail, you will have proof that you did everything you could to rectify this situation.

Re: Random Sorta Ethical Question-- What would you do? (sorta long)

Re: Random Sorta Ethical Question-- What would you do? (sorta long)

you owe them nothing!!!

I wouldn't have gone as far as you have! Damn you're too nice!

As for the box, I might return it to a Gap store when I paid a visit to the mall only because I don't know if the post office would accept it if it's postmarked over a month ago (that's if it was delivered by the post office.)

Message edited 2/10/2007 12:45:41 PM.

Re: Random Sorta Ethical Question-- What would you do? (sorta long)

Posted by Chatham-Chick

you owe them nothing!!!

I wouldn't have gone as far as you have! Damn you're too nice!

As for the box, I might return it to a Gap store when I paid a visit to the mall only because I don't know if the post office would accept it if it's postmarked over a month ago (that's if it was delivered by the post office.)

Re: Random Sorta Ethical Question-- What would you do? (sorta long)

I agree with the person who said send them one final letter certified mail. Tell them that there is a package there that they need to handle. Tell them that you no longer will be forwarding mail so if they haven't done a forwarding order, they need to. Any additional mail you get - I would mark return to sender - moved.
You' ve been more than nice and very patient!!

Re: Random Sorta Ethical Question-- What would you do? (sorta long)

Re: Random Sorta Ethical Question-- What would you do? (sorta long)

It would REALLY annoy me if this was happening to me. You shouldn't have to go out of your way, expecially since you have been forwarding their mail to them.

At your convenience I would drop it off at the GAP when you happen to go to the mall. Don't go out of your way for them.

Re: Random Sorta Ethical Question-- What would you do? (sorta long)

We either throw out the last persons mail or leave it on the floor by the mailboxes. Its been over a year and its their stupidity for not changing the address.

Re: Random Sorta Ethical Question-- What would you do? (sorta long)

I always put "return to sender - no longer lives here" and put it back in my mailbox.

youve gone above in beyond in all that youve done already!

Re: Random Sorta Ethical Question-- What would you do? (sorta long)

I definitely would not feel embarrassed about sending them a note a month and a half later. IMO, you are doing them a courtesy and honestly, if I were you, I'd be annoyed that it kept happening.

If I were them, I'd be greatful, especially if I were dumb enough to order something and have it sent to my old address.

Re: Random Sorta Ethical Question-- What would you do? (sorta long)

Everytime you get mail from them write on it return to sender...no longer living here or something like that. Leave it in your mailbox and let the post office take care of it. They should have changed their address and this is something you shouldn't have to deal with.