There is an option in C&S to automatically send advice of tracking events to the buyer. I, and a fair few others, use it.

I don't know if it helps the buyer, but I haven't had anybody complain.

As far as lodging over the counter - that guarantees the minimum one tracking event required for Paypal protection. As others have said, if it is posted in a red box and doesn't get scanned at any point before delivery, you won't have protection if it goes missing before then.

Generally, however, I find most have at least four events, three of which are useful -

Manifested;

Lodged;

On board for delivery; and

Delivered.

Any one of the last three will provide seller protection.