Form 2856? Take it to the post office for inspection?

[r.oak65]

I have 2 insurance claims in the last 6 months and each one expects the buyer to take it to the post office for inspection. Naturally by the time I received the letter, eBay had already refunded the money to the buyer.  Anyone else have this problem with the post office? I know they send them out randomly, but why me? I sent pictures both time and the second time even had the lady show a picture of the box too. What used to be so easy is now absolutely impossible! I cannot afford to "eat" the cost of the transactions each time usps denies a claim! Anyone have suggestions?

[rebell45]

Maybe pack your items better? Seriously, as soon as a buyer tells you something was damaged in shipping, you must tell them to save the original packing material in case the PO wants to see it. Of course some people won't feel that's its their job to try to get your money back for the PO.

[fab_finds4u]

eBay doesn't care if the item is insured or not. You must refund whether or not the claim is paid.

eBay doesn't make a buyer cooperate with insurance claims.  How could they?

Usually returning the item voids the insurance.   I've found that insurance is only good for lost items because damaged items might require the buyer to return it to the PO  for inspection and the buyer could refuse and avoid your insurance.  I don't get why a buyer with a damaged item wouldn't return it to the PO because they would have to take it back to the PO to mail it back to you. You're entitled to have them return it for a refund so they'd have to do that anyway.  

If items are getting damaged you're packing is insufficient.  You have to package them so you can throw the package down a flight of stairs and it lands with no damage to the contents.  

[cream_couture]

For future transactions, I recommended insuring through Shipsurance or another third party shipping insurance. I use Shipsurance and you can still get a claim processed without a cooperative buyer. However, what they do ask of buyers is very quick and simple, so I don't have a problem getting buyers to help. 

[tsme35]

Did the same to me on 2 packages, got the letter 7-10 days after refunding buyer, one took package to PO for me(surprised for sure) 2 weeks ago and still under review, 2nd one has been under review for 60 days, buyer won't answer emails. These were fishing rods, packed to take a tumble but you can't pack against breaking the box in half. I've never received the letter from the USPS in 15 yrs of selling, their getting desperate I think

[little*blackdog]

I know you're an experienced seller so I'm not going to give you packing/shipping instructions... but I do have a rather new idea you might be interested in.  Especially if you have access to empty plastic water bottles.  (Yours or your friend's and neighbor's)

Cut the tops off.  Use them as is, or bent into shapes to go around edges, corners, etc. of your items.  Line the bottom and sides of packing boxes with them.  They are almost as light as air packs and they are FREE.   I still wrap most items in bubble wrap first, but have found using these empty bottles as buffers between the item and the sides of the packing boxes works wonders.  Nothing broken in over 2 years! 

[thebeernuts]

The post office used to pay on claims.  Now, they come up with any form letter off their desk with an excuse to deny it.  One claim was for a $40 item shipped Priority Mail and their denial said "denied because there was no insurance purchased or associated with this item."  Priority Mail includes insurance!!!  

This is their way of trying to improve their bottom line.  It is unbelievably frustrating and there is no one to call about it. 

[thebeernuts]

Do they charge a monthly fee?

[thebeernuts]

I like this idea.  Do you ever have anyone complain about having to dispose of them?  Just wondering.  I'm going to try it.  Thanks!

[cream_couture]

You can sign up for monthly to cover all shipments (from any selling platform) or insure packages individually. 

[lightlily_arts]

I have used Shipsaver to insure my collectible parcels as they do not require any inspection, and they offer the most competitive insurance rates as well.  You just need to submit digital pictures of the damage, and ask the buyer to complete an affidavit.  This doesn't negate your responsibility to pack carefully.  Moreover,  since breakage  seems to be rising I have taken to double boxing my fragile collectibles to prevent breakage.  It has increased the shipping costs, but  when it's  a rare collectible it can't be replaced.  No matter what the buyer still blames you. 

[lightlily_arts]

Shipsaver charges you per package.  $1 per $100  of the item value including shipping charges.  That way you don't lose your original shipping.  As it stands right now not only do you have to refund the buyer in full,  but you lose the PayPal transaction fees.  Also I use those cardboard egg crates to cushion heavy collectibles.  The type that holds 2 dozen eggs are perfect for boxes 12x12.