cloaked7: Looking for Input Regarding USPS Insurance Claim on eBay

cloaked7

It's been years since I've had a buyer file a dispute with me, so I'm sure things have changed since I last dealt with one, both with the USPS and eBay.

A buyer just filed a dispute stating they didn't receive a LEGO set they purchased from me. I mailed the set the day after payment was received via Priority Mail. The tracking information shows it made it to their city, but the seller said they never received it. They also said that they asked their postal carrier and they said they didn't deliver the package to their address.

So, I suppose I need to file a claim with the USPS? And, the last time I did this I had to go to the post office, I figure that's still the same. It's my understanding that Priority Mail now comes with up to $100 of insurance. The set was $25. Anyone had experience with recently filing a claim? If so, what's involved now?

Also, does eBay offer any kind of guarantee since I followed all of the eBay procedures?

Thanks

joel4motion

I am not sure that US policy is exactly the same as UK policy but if you can provide eBay with tracking information of some description then you have nothing to worry about.

If the buyer has filed an item not received case then upload the tracking details and tell the buyer to make a claim.

nkx1

I don't really have any insight to offer, except for the following: If the set was sold for $25, I'm assuming you paid $10-$20 or less for it? If so, I wonder if it would be worthwhile to just skip the claim with the post office (unless it can be initiated via email or quick phone call) and email ebay to see what they can do for you. If you have to refund the buyer, so be it. $25, at least to me, is just not worth the time waiting in line at the post office, etc.

doriansdad

Since the set was less than $750 total for ebay disputes (and $250 for paypal disputes) you did not need signature confirmation. If you have tracking showing the item was delivered to the zip code attached to the buyers paypal account then you are covered.

What can happen next is the buyer may then claim it was received but damaged or you sent the wrong item and try and scam you that way. Tell them to return for a refund.

ColoradoBricks

@cloaked7, I recently sent an small and it was item damaged in shipping. Shipping label was printed from eBay, no added insurance as Priority Mail now includes insurance up to $50.
I filed claim from USPS.com for $15 (no pieces lost, just a damaged box and one of the bag pop open), added a picture. I did that with no hope but I got a check from USPS for $15 within a week.
I never got eBay/paypal engaged in the claim process but I opened a case to cancel the transaction and get my fees back.

nkx1

^Wow, nice! Good to know for future reference, thanks ColoradoBricks.

madforLEGO

nkx1 said:

^Wow, nice! Good to know for future reference, thanks ColoradoBricks.

Ditto, That is good to know. Of course, I'm sure USPS gets a bit more inquisitive if the item is $100 or more

gmpirate

All I have ever gotten is the run around with USPS. Wait longer, talk to someone else who is never in, etc. . .

ColoradoBricks

I did all online, took 5 minutes to file. I had absolutely no hope to ever heard about it again. Was my first claim with USPS.
I had a claim once with insurepost, while at the end I got my money back, process was much heavier with tons of paper work.
I think with insurance included in PM and all the PR campaign they are doing they are trying to be seen in a better light than they used to.

cloaked7

^^ Yup, that could be the case. I feel it is my responsibility to do what I can for the buyer. I would have just sent them a replacement, but I would rather see how it all works out first. Years ago I had an item delivered almost a month after I mailed it. And, I have had items delivered to my neighbors, and visa versa, and it can take a few days for that to be figured out. And, during the Christmas season, who knows! :-)

(Also, just an aside. Personally I have 3 different 'regular' mail carriers. And, now and again have someone I don't recognize at all. My main mail carrier is very nice, and helpful. She even picks boxes up at my front door step. The other two are OK, but don't go out of their way.)

I found that I could file a claim on-line with the USPS so I did. We'll see what happens. If it goes thru fine, if not fine. Then, we can proceed to the next step if needed. Thanks to everyone for your input.

TheLoneTensor

cloaked7 said:

^^ Yup, that could be the case. I feel it is my responsibility to do what I can for the buyer. I would have just sent them a replacement, but I would rather see how it all works out first. Years ago I had an item delivered almost a month after I mailed it. And, I have had items delivered to my neighbors, and visa versa, and it can take a few days for that to be figured out. And, during the Christmas season, who knows! :-)

(Also, just an aside. Personally I have 3 different 'regular' mail carriers. And, now and again have someone I don't recognize at all. My main mail carrier is very nice, and helpful. She even picks boxes up at my front door step. The other two are OK, but don't go out of their way.)

I found that I could file a claim on-line with the USPS so I did. We'll see what happens. If it goes thru fine, if not fine. Then, we can proceed to the next step if needed. Thanks to everyone for your input.

Same here, with regards to the mail carriers, and the main one gets a very nice tip this time of year.

akunthita

I have filed 3-4 claims with USPS in the past 3 years. All for damaged goods. I always got my money back (in form of a check) within 2 weeks. I highly recommend using the online process. It is fast, easy and smooth.

Please note that either the buyer or the seller can open the claim. If the package is lost it makes sense for the seller to do it instead of bothering the buyer with it, but when the package is damaged sometimes it requires for the buyer to take the damaged items to the post-office as proof.

It could also be done as a combination of both methods (this is what I have done in most cases to help out the buyer and stay involved in the process); the seller opens the claim for damaged goods. The seller will receive a case number. Send the email with the case number to the buyer. The buyer prints it out, takes the damaged box/goods to the post-office and request a supervisor. They will update the claim right there that the proof was received.

The refund can be sent to either the seller or the buyer. When you fill out the claim form online they will ask that question. The seller could just reimburse through PP, then wait for the USPS check to arrive, or send the USPS check to the buyer. Again; in my experience it never took more than 2 weeks. Usually more like 10 days.

Hope this helps some...(c:

margot

^thats very helpful, thanks.