Priority Mail claims question

[eggs3]

I have made claims for broken items maybe three times in the last eight or so months sending Priority Mail.  All claims were $30-$40.  I sent pics with all of the claims.  The last two times I have made a claim, I have received a letter saying I had to take the item and packaging to a Post Office for them to verify.

Is this the norm now?  Thanks for any insight.

[picknparley]

Frequent claims creates a flag in the system for your address.  Claims will get harder and harder for you.

Just a suggestion that packages sent are bullet-proof and items are snugly protected inside.  I've been shipping thru USPS for 20+ years and have had maybe 6 claims. 

Packages go through a gauntlet of abusive situations. 

JMHO

[nobody*s_perfect]

The Domestic Mail Manual says: "

2.0 Providing Proof of Loss or Damage

If a claim is filed because some or all of the contents are missing or damaged, the addressee must retain the mailing container, including any damaged articles, all packaging, and any contents received. Upon written request by the USPS, the addressee must make this proof available to the local Post Office for inspection, retention, and disposition in accordance with the claims decision."

https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/609.htm#ep1097188

So it looks like this in-person proof is not always required. Perhaps the request for inspection is related to the value of the item, the nature of the claimed damage, or the claims history of the sender.

[orangehound]

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@eggs3 wrote:

I have made claims for broken items maybe three times in the last eight or so months sending Priority Mail. 

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Given your sales volume, that is a very high rate ..,.

[cream_couture]

I have never had USPS ask to see an item. Every claim I have filed they paid out and paid out quickly, but it has been maybe a year since I have filed with them. Maybe it is currently happening because they are having an influx of claims due to COVID increasing the amount of packages in the mail. Or maybe they have become more strict on paying claims.

I typically file claims with my shipping insurance. If I were you I would start insuring with a third party company. I use Shipsurance, but there are other companies. The evidence needed is easier to obtain, even with an uncooperative buyer. 

[tsme35]

I got my 1st letter from USPS for a broken item last month, after selling for years, it was 2 1/2 weeks after I filed the claim. I only file 2-3 a year if that, but buyer was a jerk, said he got his money back and refused to take to PO and I can't drive 1000 miles to do it. Also side note, good luck trying to contact USPS or their claims department, claims wants the number from the claim which wasn't on the letter or on the online "reviewing" page. Calling wait time is 1-3 hrs, even my post master couldn't get ahold of anyone either. Might as well write it off unless the buyer takes the damage item in for you

[eggs3]

Thanks for all of the input.  I have sold and shipped successfully many items since 1999.  Seems like I just have had a little hit of damage in the last eight months or so.  I will consider doing a third party insure.