eBay

valsun_28 · ‎09-11-2022

Once again, a claim has been denied by USPS. Since I have had claims denied by the USPS in the past, I have taken extra care in packing and shipping my items. Since I ship mostly breakable vintage items, I wrap, double box, and add air pillows (if that's what they are called). For the most part this has been successful but here is the scenario of this last sale.

Sold a vintage cookie jar to a customer.

She notified me the item was shipped and broken when she received it. She took pictures and sent them to me, and I issued the buyer a full refund

I asked her to keep the box, packing materials, and the cookie jar so I could submit a claim. In the meantime, I filed a claim online which requires a ton of information including proof of when the item was purchased and price paid, all of the information including date sold, amount, tracking number and the buyer's address, telephone number and non-e-bay e-mail address (which I "think" is against E-bay policy). I provided all of this information (with permission from the buyer) on the online form and submitted the claim. I received a letter about 10 days later requesting the item, box, and packing materials be taken to the nearest post office. I e-mailed a copy of the USPS letter to my buyer, and she graciously took everything to her local post office. I just received notification from the USPS that my claim was denied! Why? Because they said the damage was not caused by the USPS! REALLY? Who was the damaged caused by, then? Gremlins? USPS $100 coverage for Priority shipments is a joke if they deny your claim after you provide them with everything to legitimize the claim. Oh, and not to mention a vintage 1940's Cookie Jar is not something that be re-ordered online. This is my third claim with USPS and will be the last time I ship using the USPS. I would be interested in others weighing in and if they had a similar situation and what the resolution was. Thank you for allowing me to vent! That and a glass of wine!

mam98031 · ‎09-11-2022

@gemarakop_trading wrote:
Ship ups

They kick boxes around just like USPS does. I get damaged boxes in from them all the time.

mam98031 • Volunteer Community Member • Buyer/Seller since 1999

"I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you." Quote from Edward I Koch

simply-the-best-for-you · ‎09-11-2022

@lamber9347 wrote:
@lakefor94 wrote:
I think you pretty much covered the tale of the tape. I always laugh when members ask posters if they bought insurance. Waste of good hard earned money over time unless USPS completely loses the shipment and there is no delivery scan.
@lakefor94 Oh my goodness, I laugh at the same thing. So many folks on here will quickly ask that, as if it means anything. The only time I've heard of USPS refunding anyone is for a legitimate lost package, after several months. I just never see anyone say they prevailed in an insurance claim with USPS....

I have won cases for USPS damage. But it has been awhile & lately I've been seeing lots of posts indicating they aren't as lenient as they used to be. In the past, I've not only won the case, I only had to send pics, not have anyone take items in, etc.

Sorry OP 😞 I wonder if outside carrier insurance would help. I insure pkgs from time to time, always using 3rd party insurers, but I've never had to file a claim with anyone other than USPS.

This one goes to Eleven - Nigel Tufnel

Simply-the-best-for-you Volunteer Community Mentor
eBay Seller since 1996

gemarakop_trading · ‎09-11-2022

Simply not true ebay has instructions on how to file a claim.

gemarakop_trading · ‎09-11-2022

And ive been reimbursed everyone time I had a problem with ups using ebays account.

ten_o_nine · ‎09-11-2022

I know that because I sell many fragile items and have not had a complaint for years. When selling fragile items, you'll need to spend some money on packing materials and include that in cost of shipping. It costs a lot of time, effort, and materials to get it there safe and buyer has to pay if they want it.

valsun_28 · ‎09-12-2022

I have been shipping USPS (United States Postal Service) not UPS (United Parcel Service). And I have taken extra steps to pack well. In fact, the last several comments from buyers has been how well my items have been packed.

valsun_28 · ‎09-12-2022

I shipped USPS not UPS

dhbookds · ‎09-12-2022

@valsun_28

But what condition was the outer box in after delivery? Do you know?

valsun_28 · ‎09-12-2022

So , you are insinuating that I do not know how to pack my items? I have sold hundreds of fragile items over the past two years selling on e-bay and 99% of them are received in perfect condition. It is the few that have been received by the buyer broken. I have had buyers comments on how well the item they received was packed so I kinda think I know what I'm doing. My grandson works for UPS (not USPS) and has said you would not believe how packages are handled. I was hoping to find another seller that may have had the same issue and find out if they had a solution, not an opinion of my packing skills.

valsun_28 · ‎09-12-2022

No, I don't. The buyer took the box and contents to her local post office as was directed in the letter I received from the United States Postal Service (USPS).

valsun_28 · ‎09-12-2022

You have to file a claim online with USPS not e-bay and it wasn't UPS. It was USPS, they are different.

genv · ‎09-12-2022

Same playbook... except...

After I gave a full refund...

the Buyer / Recipient had NO incentive to:

Present For Inspection.

dhbookds · ‎09-12-2022

@valsun_28 wrote:
No, I don't. The buyer took the box and contents to her local post office as was directed in the letter I received from the United States Postal Service (USPS).

That's the rub......if the box was smashed.......I think you would have a good case......if not, I can see USPS claiming poor packing was the cause (not saying it was...just that their determination could be based on no outer box damage)...........

I've had cases in the past and won, but had pics of the box damage.......

lakefor94 · ‎09-12-2022

@valsun_28 wrote:
So , you are insinuating that I do not know how to pack my items? I have sold hundreds of fragile items over the past two years selling on e-bay and 99% of them are received in perfect condition. It is the few that have been received by the buyer broken. I have had buyers comments on how well the item they received was packed so I kinda think I know what I'm doing. My grandson works for UPS (not USPS) and has said you would not believe how packages are handled. I was hoping to find another seller that may have had the same issue and find out if they had a solution, not an opinion of my packing skills.

The only valid solution for the latest damaged item is to pack better. Had it been packed better, you would not be here now.

My solution for packing better is custom hand made boxes and bubble wrap along with handcut cardboard sleeving. I buy a lot of bubble wrap in different sizes. I never worry about damage. It just does not happen. At last check, my average sale price was $240 with quite a few under $50 mixed in. I can't take any chances with expensive electronics etc.

Pack it to the hilt. UPS is my go-to for the expensive items.

Posting ID

vsbelgians · ‎09-12-2022

Wrong! We have a stellar reputation for excellent packing but here's the story....USPS (and all the others) drop boxes from heights of 60+ feet into hard plastic bins and then drop packages, no matter what the weight, on top of the already dropped boxes. Packages get thrown and kicked. Joke in USPS community is "if it says fragile it is Italian for throw higher and harder". Ive seen this all happen and most of my family works at USPS..they say the only way to get something to a customer safe is to hand deliver it and we all know that isn't possible. SO...if packaged correctly it wont break?? ROFLOL!