by guess what? You don’t have to be a kid on Christmas Day for an adrenaline rush to get a surprise gift.
when the packets of Amazon or USPS Unclaimed, unclaimed items are auctioned off by the Postal Service in bulk. Auction buyers then resell the unopened boxes individually and in return shoppers receive a mysterious gift that was destined for someone else, but never made it. It’s all completely legal, and while you don’t know exactly what you’re getting, it’s exciting because it’s an item that someone else really wanted and probably paid good money for.
We break down this new social media trend below, and how you can get one of these bundles.
paying off: Did you know you can buy unclaimed airline baggage?
Buying legal unclaimed mail is going viral on TikTok
Watching someone open a surprise gift sets off the human excitement of anticipation. For this reason, “unboxing videos” of people opening mysterious Amazon and USPS packages are circulating on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. The trend became popular with TikTok user Stephanie, aka @caloriequeen14, who now has over a million followers.
User calorieequeen14 paid $1 per package for a hundred mystery boxes, then unboxed them in front of her audience. Her treasure trove revealed a wide range of items, from ordinary items to high-priced products. Some days, she would unwrap valuables like watches and jewellery. Other days, she reveals a Starbucks coupon or random stuffed toy. But no matter the results, it was exciting for her and her ever-growing number of viewers.
@caloriequeen14Does anyone know how this thing even? Open the mystery box. Open lost mail packages. Part 1.♬ Creative – SmiLE
This viral unboxing trend has intrigued users who are looking for the same fun experience and want to know how to get their hands on unclaimed Amazon or USPS packages.
What happens to packages when they are lost or unclaimed?
Sometimes Amazon packages don’t reach the customer. Perhaps the address was incorrect or the intended recipient was moved. Or it may have been misplaced in a warehouse or lost in transit. Once it is clear that the mail will go unclaimed (after all efforts have been made under the strictest protocols at both Amazon and the USPS), it is sold in bulk at auction to the highest bidder on sites like GovDeals or Liquidation.com.
The buyers at these auctions are often e-commerce sites and small brick-and-mortar businesses—the auction goes to charity in most cases—who then sell them as mystery boxes to individual shoppers. The business model means that every package ends up with money (rather than going to a landfill), some of the money goes to a good cause and a happy customer gets to open their very own mystery box.
How do you buy unclaimed Amazon bundles?
There are several ways to get unclaimed Amazon bundles:
- Once the unclaimed mail is auctioned off and then sold in bulk to sellers and e-commerce sites, you as an individual can purchase one or more of them as mystery boxes from sellers online or in person.
- You can also buy in bulk on your own from the above auction sites, GovDeals or Liquidation.com.
- sites like Bushmark And ebay You might have it, so give it a try if you’re feeling adventurous.
Some people buy individual mystery boxes at their local exchange meeting, while others buy them online. Some people prefer e-commerce sites because the transaction is easy and convenient, but others prefer the added value fun that comes with the interaction in an exchange encounter. Stephanie, a TikTok influencer credited with the trend, bought hundreds of mystery boxes in an exchange meet and that’s where the fun began.
Avoid unsolicited scams
As with any online shopping activity where bargains and deals can be found, you get scammers. This means that you need to be vigilant.
To avoid scammers:
- Use trusted websites that have been checked by many users
- Look for reviews or reviews of any seller you’re considering buying from before completing your purchase. Online reviews show that some shoppers responded to random ads on social media, and ended up buying “mystery boxes” that weren’t mystery boxes at all.
- Try to buy close to home, such as a local barter meet, to save on shipping costs
Whichever method you go with, make sure you trust the seller, whether you’re buying from a local exchange meet or online. This way, you will likely get a mystery box that hasn’t been tampered with so the original item will still be in good condition.
How much are unclaimed parcel items worth?
It varies. Since it’s a “mystery box,” it can be anything from a high-end pair of sneakers to a gift card voucher from a coffee shop. Some lucky buyers ended up carrying Louis Vuitton bags, and others ended up wearing an ill-fitting bra or a poorly made pillow case. Since they are items that are actually bought and then sold at auction, mystery chests sell for anything from $1 and up. But remember: shipping costs can be very high if the package is large.
Did the items arrive in good condition?
Items would have been handled with the same care as any package delivered by a courier partner, so it is rare to receive a damaged item. When the item was originally boxed, it was done by an experienced Amazon packager who has a vested interest in making sure customers are happy. As with any packaging that is packaged, processed, and delivered, there is a small percentage that may get damaged – but in general, you can be confident that the items you purchase will be in pristine condition.
You never know what you will get
If you’re looking for a bargain and some fun, buying an unclaimed Amazon or USPS package ticks both of those boxes. If you’re feeling flush, you can head to the aforementioned sites to buy in bulk — then sell the mystery boxes to individuals. Or, if you want to purchase the individual mystery boxes yourself, check out local swap meet-ups in your area, or keep an eye on websites that sell them online. Avoid scammers and have fun. who do you know Your next obsession might be sitting in a box that you open on TikTok for some interested viewers.
paying off:
