Shipping problem - Package delivered to my buyer ripped open with item removed

[mrsordway]

Hi. My buyer wrote to ask about getting a replacement or a refund for an item that I shipped in a well-packed and secured shipping envelope. When she got it, the package had been ripped open and the item removed, but the package was still delivered in that condition.  

This is not a big, expensive item, just a dollhouse miniature.  But shouldn't the USPS be asked to pay the cost since this occurred during shipping?  It had a tracking number etc.

Can I gently ask my buyer to go through USPS, or am I just supposed to take the hit?

[wooden_flower]

@mrsordway 

You refund the buyer, then you file a claim at usps.com.  Ask the buyer for several photos of the envelope to add to your claim.

[mrsordway]

Thanks for that.