Lost second package in a split shipment

Ordered two cards that were shipped in separate packages — one arrived, one did not. The process of identifying the problem and resolving it took longer than it should have because I misunderstood the situation initially. Here is what actually happened and how it resolved.

How I discovered it was a split shipment

I received one tracking number from the vendor. One package arrived. I assumed the order was complete. Looking at the order page later, I noticed the quantity field showed 2 but only 1 card was in the received package. I messaged the vendor asking where the second card was.

The vendor explained the two cards had been shipped separately — first card as soon as it was ready, second card queued for the next production batch. A second tracking number was sent in a follow-up email I had not received (it went to spam).

The actual issue

The second tracking number showed "Delivered" in the vendor's system but I had not received anything. After checking with neighbors and my building's mail area thoroughly, nothing was found. The tracking showed a delivery scan but the package was not delivered to my address — likely a carrier misdelivery to a nearby address.

Resolution process

USPS missing mail search request submitted with the tracking number. After 10 days, no package found. Vendor contacted with documentation of the missing delivery scan. Vendor reshipped at no charge under their guarantee since delivery was confirmed as failed despite showing delivered.

What I would do differently

Check for multiple tracking numbers when an order has multiple cards. Check spam for vendor emails after placing an order. Check the order status page for quantity discrepancy before assuming a received package is a complete order.

The most effective way to prevent split shipment confusion is to confirm the vendor's fulfillment process before the order ships rather than after. Asking directly at order placement whether all items will ship together or may ship separately gives you the information needed to interpret tracking events correctly. A single question during order placement prevents hours of confusion if packages arrive at different times.