Test Kit Shipping/Postal Issues

[JerryNicholson]

Our problems were in Charlotte and it was only with getting the kits to her home and then back to the lab. First one simply never made it from FTDNA to her home as far as we know. The second one was sent to me in Florida, I sent it to Charlotte, NC overnight and provided an overnight box and postal payment. My sister took the test for a second time and sent it back out overnight and it made it!

US Mail that requires special handling, such as return receipt, certified, etc, has to be signed for by the delivery person. Lots less room for shenanigans.

[rainbow]

If possible, for security purposes, ask FTDNA to change the kit number. If two of the three kits that went missing were stolen, then whoever knows the kit number might and could try to hack into the account. What is also worrisome is that the swab test from one of the kits was done and went missing on it's way back to the lab.
Luckily, I haven't had any problems mailing via regular mail from Florida.
I don't bother with overnight express because a letter someone sent to me took over a week (and because I am usually frugal). The best solution for me was to get a po box at a different post office/zip code. I also usually avoid putting my name (and return address sometimes) on envelopes, and I send mail from the mail slot in the post office or a big blue mailbox.

[rdblair]

I am in the process of getting a relative tested and it took 1 month for the kit to travel from USA to Australia - according to the posted date. Hopefully it will take only a week to get back. I see this as a postal service problem and hopefully not someone at FTDNA sitting on the mail before posting it!

[Carolyn1955]

I can't imagine anyone would hold a kit at FTDNA. I have shipped quite a few packages oversea's and it takes a good month to get to most countries I've shipped too and just about as long to get packages back. Once FTDNA gets your kit, it is shipped to the lab by the next following Wednesday, someone can correct me if I'm wrong. I got my confirmation within 24 hours of them shipping last Wednesday. That's outstanding service. As far as the postal service goes, there will always be complaints for slow moving mail, etc. Hang in there.
Carolyn

I am in the process of getting a relative tested and it took 1 month for the kit to travel from USA to Australia - according to the posted date. Hopefully it will take only a week to get back. I see this as a postal service problem and hopefully not someone at FTDNA sitting on the mail before posting it!