How Can I Safely Ship Order That Sold For Over $6,000?

[mozartbach1971]

I just had an auction end and one buyer won two items, one item he won went for around $50, the other item he won went for over $6,300.  I've never shipped an order this high. I'm not that worried about loss or damage as I will insure the package, however is there any way it can be shipped that can prevent a buyer from saying they received an empty package,  or some other type of similar  complaint?  Should I just ship it USPS and hope everything goes OK?

[duffy4444]

   You mentioned you use Stamps.com software for shipping... Good choice. I do, too.

   If you do decide to use registration thru Stamps.com, I'm curious to see how the transaction goes, in case I need to use it in the future. If you don't mind, let me know how it goes...

Cheers, Duffy

[duffy4444]

   I know I'm Robert Raincloud on this transaction (for GOOD reason), but there is one other thing I forgot to mention earlier:

   If you ship the item, you're trusting that it will not get creased, folded, dog-eared, or otherwise abused during shipment. If that happens and the item appears anything but exactly like your photos, your buyer has a valid INAD case against the sale, and can automatically get refunded or file a cc chargeback. Then good luck with getting the item back if the buyer is not on the up-and-up.

   This happens more often that one would think.

Cheers, Duffy

[katzrul15]

Robert Raincloud.......😅

[bc_ca-25]

if I sold something of that value, I would put the  items in a clear sleeve (or something like that so it can be clearly seen in the video later) and take it to the carrier office. And record while they pack and seal the package for you. And a signature delivery conformation indeed.

[mozartbach1971]

We have used Fedex to pack and ship an autographed Marshall helmet with a lightweight accessory.  They notated both items on our itemized charge sheet for doing so.   Fedex packed and shipped it and insured it.  We used adult signature and restricted signature to addressee only.  It was expensive, but worth it.  We had no issues- but knew Fedex would honor claim of empty box or missing parcel as it began/ended with their services.

If your Buyer claims SNAD, not described, it is a fake, misrepresented, etc - there is nothing you can do.  Buyer will win.

As others have pointed out, nothing 100% protects a Seller.  SNADs and Chargebacks are/can be brutal to a Seller and often impossible to prevail against.

What you're saying seems safer than using USPS.  Would I just be able to take the two items put them in a clear plastic sleeve with my packing slip inside to a Fedex location and give them the address I want it shipped to and tell them I want to insure it for $6300+ with adult signature confirmation, and that would be all I need to do?

[mozartbach1971]

We have used Fedex to pack and ship an autographed Marshall helmet with a lightweight accessory.  They notated both items on our itemized charge sheet for doing so.   Fedex packed and shipped it and insured it.  We used adult signature and restricted signature to addressee only.  It was expensive, but worth it.  We had no issues- but knew Fedex would honor claim of empty box or missing parcel as it began/ended with their services.

If your Buyer claims SNAD, not described, it is a fake, misrepresented, etc - there is nothing you can do.  Buyer will win.

As others have pointed out, nothing 100% protects a Seller.  SNADs and Chargebacks are/can be brutal to a Seller and often impossible to prevail against.

I went down to Fedex earlier today and the person told me that for what I wanted shipped they could only insure it for $1,000.  If I wanted to insure more I would have to use a third party insurer.  I guess I'll just have to ship the order through USPS.

[stephenmorgan]

If you check the rates online at USPS.com Insurance for a Priority Mail one pound package only goes to $5000 and will cost about $80.00  

If you use Priority Mail and select Register Mail, a one pound package with Insurance for $6400 is about $35.00.

Package your item in a brown cardboard box and use the paper type tape to seal all seams.  The USPS will stamp/seal all edges of the tape to make sure package is not opened by anyone.  

Packaging the item in a cardboard box will provide maximum protection from damage.

[vintagecraze50]

Registered mail fully insured, only way I would go with such a huge threat of a scam.

[mozartbach1971]

Registered mail fully insured, only way I would go with such a huge threat of a scam.

How would that be safer than regular USPS mail?  Can't the person say they didn't receive anything in the package when they receive the Registered mail?