USPS destroyed an item shipped with Ground Advantage confused on how to do a claim

[whitebread18]

I shipped a portable record player and the buyer said it was broken on arrival even though I thoroughly padded everything.

So Ground Advantage is supposed to automatically cover $100 in damage (without additional insurance purchased)? Then also based on their policy, it's not supposed to be shipped back, it has to be claimed as is.

I know I'll be refunding them either way but don't I have to get the package back and the carrier or post office has to inspect it or somehow coordinate the buyer to get it inspected?

[orangehound]

You file a claim with the USPS, and they will give you instructions on how to proceed with inspection ... sometimes a photo is asked for, and sometimes the USPS asks for the package to be brought into a USPS branch.

Shortly after all this, the USPS will deny your insurance claim ...

Insurance mostly covers lost packages, and never or rarely covers damage due to G-forces.  But, if your package was run over by a USPS truck, involved in a fire at a USPS facility, or pierced with a javelin, then they might cover it.

[kensgiftshop]

Ask the buyer for a few pictures of the item and package, then refund the buyer.
Have the buyer hang on to the item and package so it can be inspected.
You file a claim with USPS on their web site.

[whitebread18]

While going through the online claim it is asking for a Proof of Value.  I won this item in a raffle years ago so seems it will be impossible to file a claim from what I'm seeing. But I suppose I learned a valuable lesson and one for others that Ground Advantage "insurance" is basically worthless.

[orangehound]

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@whitebread18 wrote:

While going through the online claim it is asking for a Proof of Value.  I won this item in a raffle years ago so seems it will be impossible to file a claim from what I'm seeing. But I suppose I learned a valuable lesson and one for others that Ground Advantage "insurance" is basically worthless.

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@whitebread18 

Proof of value is the price it sold for on eBay.   Just attach whatever documentation you might need (e.g., screen shot of the sale from your account).