Damaged Parcel

[caminocielo]

I sold an item that, because of its weight, size, and value, I entrusted to a business offering packing and shipping (by UPS Ground).  Although traveling only from North Carlina to Vermont, the cost of packing, shipping, and insurance was over $700.00.  Because the large carton in which the item shipped was ripped open and the item exposed, the buyer refused to accept delivery.   In the view of the buyer, the item had been poorly packed.  Evidently, it'd been mishandled as well.

I sold an identical item fifteen years ago, had it professionally packed (by a firm different than the one I used this time), and it arrived at the buyer's address undamaged.  

The item was fully insured, although recovering any portion of the substantial cost of packing and shipping seems doubtful.   Can anyone recommend a course of action?  In more than fifteen years selling on eBay, haven't encountered this issue before.

[mam98031]

Brilliant idea to contact the police.  One of the great advantages of living in a small community, the police are willing to be and have more available time to offer such a service.  I too live in a small community with a GREAT police department.  Nice job!!

[funfactorychannel]

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@caminocielo wrote:

so I asked that the packer/shipper file a claim on my behalf for the insured value, $3,695.00.  Worryingly, the employee to whom I spoke couldn't seem to get the insurance value right.  I was told that payment would be received within one to two weeks.  

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This is like telling the 1st degree murderer to wait by the body and wait for the police to confess his crime..

Even if company is in another state, If you file in the court of your state they have to come to you, not you go to them.