Insuring a package

[strugglinlikeyou]

I'm shipping a $600 fragile item. I packed carefully, but want peace of mind. Buyer chose FedEx Smartpost which covers up to only $100. Do you recommend Easypost insurance?

[southern*sweet*tea]

I don't know anything about Easypost insurance, but shipping an item by Fedex Stupidpost is not the best choice when trying to avoid damage. One, transit time will be too long, and two, if something happens, Fedex will say USPS damaged it, and USPS will say Fedex damaged it. Both parties will wash their hands of the whole matter.

[strugglinlikeyou]

Thanks sweet tea.

Thinking I had better contact buyer and suggest another shipping method.

Any helpful suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[simba6]

Never use Fedex slowpost.  The double handling by two carriers allows each to blame the other so they both take far less care.  For that amount of money just send it UPS or Fedex and eat the extra cost.  Be sure to double box with bubble wrap between the two boxes.

[strugglinlikeyou]

Thanks simba6

Anyone else?

[fab_finds4u]

Ship fragile items Priority Mail.  Package like there's no insurance because you need the buyer to cooperate with a claim and many buyers won't.  They know if they file a dispute they must  return the item for a refund,, and returning the item voids the insurance.  You must package it so it will not break if it gets thrown down a flight of stairs or falls off a conveyor belt or falls from the back of a semi onto the concrete tarmac.  In otherwords  insurance is only good if the item gets lost, so insure it for that reason only.  U-pic.com for insurance.

[corvettestainless]

Nobody insures 'fragile' items against breakage.. they will just say you 'didn't pack it right'. 

[strugglinlikeyou]

I appreciate everyone for helping out. I did repackage; double boxed with bubble wrap around the smaller one. 

will use priority mail. 

Thanks to all.

[rudy2828]

Whatever method you use, be sure to read their exclusions. Some say after package is left at address their responsibility is over, even if it's stolen by a low life porch bandit. Always ship expensive items signature required.

[cream_couture]

I use Shipsurance. I have used them for a long time and they paid out on every insurance claim I have ever filed. They are a third party insurer, you can get a claim processed even if the buyer won't cooperate and they are cheaper than carrier's insurance.