Mail Recovery Centers are responsible for the final disposition of undeliverable mail. After every avenue has been exhausted to determine the rightful owner and the article has been retained for possible reclamation, the Postal Service disposes of unclaimed items by sale at auction.

2. How long has the Postal Service been conducting public auctions?

The Postal Service has been conducting public auctions since the early 1900's.

3. I wish to purchase an item on eBay from the USPS Mail Recovery Center. What methods of shipment are available?

All items sold on eBay will only be shipped via the United States Postal Service. The estimated shipping and handling costs are listed in the item description of each item.

4. Is there anything I can do to ensure my mail does not end up at a Mail Recovery Center?

The main reason mail is sent to a Mail Recovery Center is because the piece does not have a valid return address. This simple step can give you peace of mind that if, for some reason, your mail cannot be delivered that it will be returned to you.

Another helpful hint is to include your address somewhere inside a parcel. If found at a Mail Recovery Center, the parcel will be returned to you.

5. Are postal employees permitted to participate in the auction?

As stated in the Postal Operations Manual and AS-701, Materials Management, material may be purchased by postal employees providing they are not connected in any way with the selection of the items or its approval for sale.