File a claim with a shipper?

[forward-motion]

I just recently sold a used headlight with a broken tab, so the buyer knew it needed repaired. However when the package arrived it was damaged in shipping and had another broken tab. The buyer contacted me and asked if he should open a claim with fedex or if I should do that. I said neither and offered him a partial refund as I knew he would be repairing the light anyway. He accepted and all ended well. 

My question here is, should I hold the shipping companies responsible? 

To me it seems like too much hassle and will I get any resolution doing so?

What are your claim experiences? 

[tdumonde2014]

Was there damage to the package? This is the key to any claim, was the item damaged due to neglect on the part of the shipping company or was the item damaged due to poor packaging.

[forward-motion]

I started using a new box for headlights. It is in a box and then the light is suspended in a plastic bubble. I have had very good luck with it. I can't answer your question about the box being damaged because I didn't go that far. I just took care of the problem thinking it would be too much hassle to file a claim.  

But even if the box were damaged, is it worth doing?

[tdumonde2014]

If I'm not mistaken eBay is the shipper of record if you purchased your shipping through eBay. This presents a problem when you attempt to file a claim.

[forward-motion]

I don’t see how ebay would be the shipper. I wouldn’t go to ebay if I had a fedex claim 

[l5vw]

We are dealing with a Fed Ex claim now.

Your FedEx claim has been denied...... - The eBay Community

[forward-motion]

Wow!! Thank you so much for your information. I guess that is how ebay negotiated a discounted shipping rate. 

[Anonymous]

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@forward-motion wrote:

I don’t see how ebay would be the shipper. I wouldn’t go to ebay if I had a fedex claim 

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This is correct. Had a vase break, clearly their fault. Here is the sequence I followed:

1. Refunded Buyer

2. Filed claim DIRECTLY with Fedex

3. Received reimbursement

[forward-motion]

So did you have pictures of the damage? How did this process work? 

[Anonymous]

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@forward-motion wrote:

So did you have pictures of the damage? How did this process work? 

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Yes. Had picture of damage as well as packaging. It helps to have a cooperative buyer to say the least that can take good pics.

I filed the online claim including pictures of the vase and packaging.

It took about 60 days to get the refund.

[forward-motion]

Also did you buy the fedex label through ebay? 

[Anonymous]

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@forward-motion wrote:

Also did you buy the fedex label through ebay? 

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Yes

[katzrul15]

You can still file a claim - they will want proof of the damage, pix of the box, the item(s), etc.

Claims can be a hassle, but are manageable.  Why leave money potentially on the table? 

Even if you do not prevail - excellent training experience on how to file a claim and work thru it for when you have a high-dollar one that matters.

[Anonymous]

It is 100x easier to file a claim for Fedex than UPS or USPS.

[Anonymous]

Also...I hope you used bubble wrap. I've heard that Fedex rarely honors claims without it in the picture and they ask what packaging materials you used at least twice during the claims process on the form.

My particular vase had SO MUCH bubble wrap that there is no possible way it was broken unless by an exceptional force applied and thankfully, Fedex agreed.