Crushed packages by the post office
Summary: micmof-7845 sold cards that were damaged during shipping, and is seeking advice on whether to provide a refund or file a claim with USPS. kensgiftshop suggests issuing a refund and then filing a claim, while 1786davycrockett mentions the likelihood of USPS denying claims if the packaging wasn't strong enough. Several participants, including albertabrightalberta and bonanza125, emphasize the importance of obtaining photos of the damage for the claim process. simba6 advises that the seller is responsible for refunding the buyer promptly, with potential reimbursement through a successful claim. The consensus is that proper packaging is key to avoiding USPS claim denials.
I sold an assortment of football and basketball cards the post office crushed the box what should I do does the post office should pay for damaged box or should I give a refund
fm2000
·Aug 17, 2026 at 10:31 PM · EditedMore than likely the USPS will deny your claim and just say you didn't pack it properly, which they do 99% of the time when it comes to damage claims (barring an extreme exception like driving over it with a truck.)
If the cards are damaged, you can have the buyer return them to you at your expense, just refund and let them keep the cards or offer a partial refund if they are willing to settle for one. It will be a costly lesson, been there done that and it really hurts. You have to pack boxes like that strong enough to be stood on or be thrown off the roof of a house, the USPS can be brutal to packages.
bonanza125
·1 month ago · EditedPost office doesn't just pay for a damaged box you need proof that the cards were damaged in this transaction. Are the cards damaged? If so ask for photos of the cards which are damaged. File a claim with USPS through the website and download the pictures provided. Also include proof of value. You can only ask for the value of the cards. What is the value? USPS will not reimburse for shipping cost unless it was free shipping/included in with the price. Once submitted and reviewed you will have to wait for the approval. Make sure that the payment is going to you the seller not the buyer. Once approved issue the buyer a full refund. I would say continue to notify the buyer of progress with the claim.
Now if the shipping box is only damaged and not the cards then do nothing. If you decide to refund this buyer without USPS insurance or just want to be a nice seller then don't expect anything back. You will be taking a complete loss.
simba6
·1 month agoIf the item is damaged, YOU have to refund the buyer. The buyer does not have to deal with or wait for any shipping insurance claims. After you refund, you can try and make a claim with the shipper. But eBay rules say it's your problem to refund.
christworks
·1 month ago@micmof-7845 The box was damaged or the box and cards were damaged? You imply the cards are damaged, but only mention the box being damaged. If only the box was damaged and the buyer is merely complaining about that, there is nothing for you to do. The actual item(s) in the box must be damaged in order to file a claim.
bdmh-enterprises
·1 month agoI'll also add that if only the blaster packaging is damaged but the packs still good then you could offer a partial refund and be done with it. If they don't want to do that then you'd want them to file a return and get them back before refunding. You would be unlikely to win an insurance claim without more damage.
If the box was so damaged the packs and cards were affected, I'd say you'd have a good shot at winning a claim unless your packaging was really bad, cause that would take a lot of damage. You'd have to decide whether to pay for the return and try and salvage some singles or just refund and let the buyer keep if that's the case.
albertabrightalberta
·1 month ago@micmof-7845
Did the buyer send pictures of the damaged package?
You'll need that if you plan to file a claim. I had a claim that USPS paid out on and the pictures I submitted for the claim were those that the buyer sent me.
1786davycrockett
·1 month ago@micmof-7845
If your package was not reinforced with plenty of interior protection, USPS will not refund your error.
Your package may have been on the bottom of a 7 foot bin of heavier boxes -- all packages need to be strongly reinforced on all sides.
USPS does not handle packages with care -- but they do handle packages carelessly.
kensgiftshop
·1 month agoYou give the buyer a refund, then file a claim with USPS, then wait to see what they do....