How does USPS expect me to present the destroyed item that was MAILED for insurance claim?

[vinc_l6]

I sold an item and shipped it to the buyer in a USPS flat rate large box. It was destroyed in transit. I filed a claim online and received a letter today telling me to "present the items and mailing container, along with this letter, to a Post Office for inspection within 20 days."

How am I supposed to present a package that I mailed to a different state? Do they expect the buyer to mail it back? The total money sunk on shipping would then be $38 and insurance only covers $50. Do they expect the buyer to take it to their post office? Why would a buyer who already has their refund spend that time? The buyer shouldn't be a part of this process anyway.

Venting aside, what actually am I supposed to do? Is my only option to go to my local post office with the pictures the buyer provided?

[rebell45]

You're right, the buyer shouldn't be asked to do that, but its probably the only way to get the claim settled. Try the pictures but if that doesn't work you will have to ask.

[vinc_l6]

At this point I'm just considering the sale completely lost. Not sure I will spend any more time on the claim. The dedicated claim reviewer already saw the pictures I would show the local branch people. Also, my local post office has had a terrible rating for years because of poor service.

[lightlily_arts · Accepted solution]

Unfortunately you need to send  a copy of the letter to the buyer and ask them to take the package and contents to their local post office for inspection. Otherwise it's a loss.

[properfection]

I have had to take packages to the USPS for sellers and I have had to suffer losses even when insured items were lost or damaged.  It got so bad at one point that I sent over 20 documented incidents to a postal investigator.  You can get a number for the investigators out of an old phonebook.  Once the got involved some stuff was found and other claims were paid.  The people at my local post office were mad at me though.  Union culture does not approve of tattling, even by customers.

[kh-vince]

Hi everyone,

Due to the age of this thread, it has been closed to further replies. Please feel free to start a new thread if you wish to continue to discuss this topic.

Thank you for understanding.