Newbie question on shipping insurance
The buyer contacted me 3 days after getting the item to let me know that it was broken. I have asked for photos and reading up on what to offer the buyer - full or partial refund, and if I want them to send the item back. What I can't find information on is the about insurance for shipping. Are there protections for sellers when an item is damaged in delivery?
10 comments
yvo_6292
OP7 months agoThanks for all your helpful answers. Yes, I have groveled and offered options for a refund. The buyer has chosen to keep the item and was okay about a partial refund. However they tell me that they don't have PayPal or Venmo. Any suggestions on how to process this refund? Should I try to refund though Zelle, I've heard of problems and I'm not wanting to go there. This is my first I have sold anything on Ebay... and I'm getting really stressed!
kensgiftshop
·7 months agoGo to the order and you should be able to do a refund through there.
Before submitting, be sure to change the amount .
house*of*paws
·7 months agoHi @yvo_6292
If you shipped the item USPS Priority Mail like the listing shows ... I believe you automatically get $100 in insurance included.
I would contact the buyer with a profuse apology ... [it doesn't matter whether or not you're at fault] ... and ask THEM whether they are interested in keeping the plane for a discount. Your mission is to avoid receiving negative feedback because of stalling in giving buyer a refund or sending a shipping label. The buyer needs to know that you are eager to take care of THEIR loss. Grovelling helps! 😉
If you're eligible for an insurance payment, then you should NOT have the item returned to you, as that could void the insurance.
tobaccocardyahoo
·7 months agoIf this is the airplane model that is broken, you are unlikely to recover an insurance claim.
It is extremely difficult to pack properly, even with lots of experience, and the likelihood that you packed in a manner which will satisfy the shipping company is very low.
yvo_6292
OP7 months agoThank you all. I'm waiting on the buyer to send photos so I can verify the damage. And then figure out a refund, full or partial, if the buyer doesn't want the hassle of boxing it up and returning the item to me.
I am not holding my breath for the carrier taking any responsibility.
kensgiftshop
·7 months agoThe buyer would get a full refund.
mtgraves7984
·7 months agoAre there protections for sellers when an item is damaged in delivery?
@yvo_6292
The short answer is... Not so much.
12345jamesstamps
·7 months agoInsurance is good for items lost in the shipping.
Otherwise, usually the shipper will say it wasn't packaged as good as it should be.
Is this for an item sold on January 3rd?...seems unlikely the buyer got it already.
Do you have other eBay accounts?
12345jamesstamps
·7 months agoOops...I read it wrong...didn't have my coffee yet.
Item got shipped Jan 3rd...and buyer has it.
And this is your only account...
stainlessenginecovers
·7 months ago@yvo_6292 this depends on what carrier you used, but.....
1.) you should ABSOLUTELY refund the buyer. If you don't, they can just file a return and you either give back 100% or ebay takes it from you (partial for damaged is seldom accepted unless you and buyer agree)
2.) only YOU can 'file' for 'damage' but buyer CANNOT ship it back to you, must hold it for possible 'inspection' (either carrier coming to them or buyer required to 'take' to xyz location)- typically NOT something a buyer Wants to do nor HAS to do. It would be a 'favor' for you
3.) if the item is a breakable type item, you won't ever get paid unless
a.) buyer notifies carrier right away
b.) package is obviously smashed
Even then, typically the carrier will just say 'bad packing'.