USPS Insurance Claim Approved But Check Sent to Buyer After He Returned Item
So, it seems USPS sends an insurance claim check to the sender of a package, regardless of who files the claim. The problem is, this package was lost while being returned to me, the seller. Of course, I refunded the buyer despite not receiving the returned item, then filed a claim with USPS. After a 4-month long battle, two rejections, two appeals, and even a handwritten letter from my local postmaster supporting my claim the item was lost, the claim was finally approved. However, since the buyer who returned the item is technically the sender of the package, the USPS rep I spoke with is telling me that there is a high probability the check was made out to, and sent to, the buyer.
Has anyone else dealt with a similar situation? Thanks in advance for any info and/or advice.
dbfolks166mt
·1 year agoI have filed claims with USPS as both the sender and the intended receiver of a package that was lost and in all cases I have received the check from USPS. This may possibly be an internal error with USPS processing the claim and issuing the check. I have had a few issues with claims where I had to contact the USPS claims support center in St. Louis and speak directly with a live person but I was always able to resolve the issue. The support centers number in St. Louis is 866-974-2733.
robbie31415
·1 year ago"Of course, I refunded the buyer despite not receiving the returned item".
This was your mistake.
If it's buyer paid return then you do not refund unless it's delivered back to you.
If it's seller paid return you have to refund if they got an acceptance scan with carrier.
The person who purchases the label is responsible for the insurance.
mam98031
·1 year agoWhat do you propose if the carrier lost the package as the OP of this thread has stated? Would you still not refund the buyer?
mam98031
·1 year agoDid the buyer create their own return label? If so, why?
Most sellers issue a return label to the buyer and on that label it is the Seller that is the Sender, so there usually isn't an issue like this one.
Can you ask the buyer for forward the money back to you since you are the one that is out the money, not them. Most buyers are honest people.