Thought I'd ask you boys here... Sold a load of items the other week, posted all 4 of 'em next day 1st class recorded. 13 days later (after thinking everything was ok) I start getting messages saying the items didn't make it (although the one to Northern Iralnd did ?? ) Checked the tracking number and it says they're "in the system" ?? What normally happens next in Ebay terms, do Paypal automatically assume you haven't posted the items so PP takes the money off you to give back to the buyer ?? I know I can put a claimn to RM but could do without the hassle TBH...

Had the very same thing a while ago... If you've entered the tracking information via paypal / ebay your covered to a degree. However Royal Mail will not consider any form of "lost" claim IIRC untill 14 working days??? (this doesn't include weekends) and you also have to factor in the claim time aswell... So i recieved alot of pressure from the buyer even after explaining this too them and they took out a dispute with ebay, ebay contacted me to refund them..which i did eventually though i pointed out that according to Royal Mail the item might yet still arrive!! The buyer left me negative feedback, however shortly after the claim had gone in low and behold my item was returned to me from Royal Mail. They had tried to deliver and left a calling card, but the buyer refused to go to his local post office and pick the item up... So i contacted ebay and they removed the feedback and banned the buyer..happy days.. Moral of the story is get your claim in ASAP with Royal Mail...

As said above send proof of del to Paypal and you shouldn't have too much of a problem. I posted an item 1st class recorded and it took 17 days to arrive, I assume because of bad weather. Also keep in touch with the buyer send them all the info as well, it's just courteous really. Your package is insured for £46.00ish, I know it's hassle but if the item is less than that your in for a profit after re-funding the customer...so everyone's a winner!

I've sent stuff in the past...Its not said its got there on the system BUT i've received feedback and it has arrived !!

Had a very similar experience over Christmas, one parcel sent to Ireland was there the next day, some other took over a week. It's unfortunate but there's not much you can do other than explain to the buyer and get onto Royal Mail ASAP!
I believe there's a function on their website to enter the tracking nos of the missing parcels and they'll try and trace them, this is your best option as any compensation from RM for first class recorded will be paid in stamps I think

Do you need to provide receipts for the value of the Item to Royal Mail ?

Don't think so on first class recorded as max you're covered for I'd something like £36
Probably different with special delivery and higher value items...