First Class package "Missing Contents"

[sherlie1]

I shipped a plastic cup recently, and it was shipped first class mail.

The tracking shows nothing abnormal or damaged.

The buyer sent a note saying the delivery person brought it, the package was ripped open and cup was gone.

I asked for photos, but the buyer says she cannot figure out how to attach them.

What is the likely outcome here and what should I advise buyer to do?

Thanks

[guangxi_hone]

Similar case, content missing. Post office will not accept claim for first class. Period. Crooks paradise.

[bigdeals.etc]

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@sherlie1 wrote:

What is the likely outcome here and what should I advise buyer to do?

Thanks

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Outcome: You lose.

[dhbookds]

Does it show delivered? 

I'd tell my buyer that I would refund as soon as I spoke with her postmaster........to please hold the packaging...... that the PO isn't supposed to deliver rifled packages without marking the packages damaged on the on line information.......  Just see what happens...........You're going to have to refund anyway probably.   Be nice and assure her you just want the PO to take responsibility for what happened, that they may want to talk to her.....

[vsknkv_0]

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@dhbookds wrote:

Does it show delivered? 

the PO isn't supposed to deliver rifled packages without marking the packages damaged on the on line information.......  the PO to take responsibility .

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This is true however I have most certainly had torn packages delivered to me with contents missing and when I contacted the PO I was basically given the run-around, so it does happen and then it's between the buyer and the seller...

At this stage it all depends I suppose, you most certainly can try to contact the PO but I would probably tell the buyer to open a case of SNAD but to not ship anything because once I see the open case I would issue a refund, that's just how I would take care of things.

[18704d]

I would tell them to file with eBay for Not As Described

so then, you can accept the return, at your cost of postage.

Why?

Because mainly .. it's good seller business.  Period.

But.. if you fear .. they aren't .. truthful

they Do have to formally file .. and I'm certain eBay does track how often the average buyer actually needs to do this.

I've bought for 20 years here.  Thousands of dollars.  Hundreds of packages from various sellers.

I've only used eBay's buyer protection (twice?) I think.

Thanks

Lynn

[mam98031]

In my experience, every time I've received a package via USPS that has been damaged, USPS marks the package with sticker or notes or both, telling about the damage.  I've received a few over the years and this has always held true.

I would try another gentle approach with your buyer.  Suggest maybe a family member or friend could help them attach the pics.  While this may not be completely correct, I always say I need them to give to USPS for a claim.

If they really do have a damaged package, the buyer usually comes through with the pics.  If they don't, then it is likely they aren't telling the truth.

But know that the buyer can go and file an INAD for a damaged package.  But if they do that, I'd go ahead and approve the return and see what happens since they have already said they don't have anything to return.  

And if you do get the return, then of course you will need to refund.

Good Luck.

[inhawaii]

What's the item or the dollar amount of the item?

If it's low enough i would just refund them or send them anther one and go on with life. 

Good luck and stay safe!

[lja440]

When I get a damaged package for my route it usually has already been stamped "received in damaged condition" or " received unsealed" and scanned "visible damage by our clerk. If it isn't I tape it up, scan and stamp it myself before it leaves the Post Office. I have been getting A LOT of Amazon poly bags poorly sealed lately and of course their boxes with the paper tape are often popping open. 

you could walk them through the steps to send you a message using their phone and attaching a photo. I am terrible with tech and can muddle through it.

[lja440]

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@guangxi_hone wrote:

Similar case, content missing. Post office will not accept claim for first class. Period. Crooks paradise.

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They will if you bought insurance. I'm a mail carrier. I deliver HUNDREDS of packages a day. There isn't a single day that goes by that some of the packages have to be marked as damaged or unsealed. Amazon is the worst with these but the general public can really 'bonehead' their packing too. Not everyone uses good judgement when picking their shipping supplies. I have seen packages taped with scotch tape, painters tape, masking tape, electrical tape and duct tape, all of which are poor substitutes for shipping tape.