shipping issue question regarding USPS

riche · Jan 18, 2024

If selling something and the Item was damaged during shipping, am I responsible to refund the buyer? The package was insured and a file was claimed

The buyer seems to be working with me but he did say that he might contact Paypal and claim it was was damaged

I did everything right, wrapped it in 3 layers of bubble wrap and some how it still broke.

I have had a issue with fedex one time and they wouldnt pay the claim as they said the Box didnt have the correct info on for shipping what ever that was supposed to mean. I always thought a cardboard box was just that a cardboard box?

This issue was with USPS, and the only way this item could have broke was if the box was crushed.

Times like this makes you want to never ship anything

CasperOe · Jan 18, 2024

You're left with USPS' T&C's here I'm afraid. Have a look through them, should be easy enough to find online

If the parcel was insured then I reckon you should have your money back eventually and be able to repay the buyer - if he's patient enough.

He could file through PayPal that the item arrived broken - which it did. Thats what I would do, thats what the buyer protection is there for after all. In any case, if its none of yours fault, its definitely not on the buyer

Hope it all works out for you!

Reefing102 · Jan 18, 2024

From a buyer perspective, I would definitely expect a refund of at least the item, if not the shipping cost as well as usually shipping is also usually refunded in shipping insurance claims. While it’s not your fault necessarily the item broke in shipping, it’s not my fault as the buyer.

As a shipper, and I learned this first hand from UPS a couple weeks ago. Apparently actual shipping boxes have a certification seal (it’s usually round on the bottom) for shipping purposes. I reused a box from a company that shipped a similar item to me and they initially denied my claim for the same reason (uncertified box) but later approved it after I appealed.

vetteguy53081 · Jan 18, 2024

riche said:
If selling something and the Item was damaged during shipping, am I responsible to refund the buyer? The package was insured and a file was claimed

The buyer seems to be working with me but he did say that he might contact Paypal and claim it was was damaged

I did everything right, wrapped it in 3 layers of bubble wrap and some how it still broke.

I have had a issue with fedex one time and they wouldnt pay the claim as they said the Box didnt have the correct info on for shipping what ever that was supposed to mean. I always thought a cardboard box was just that a cardboard box?

This issue was with USPS, and the only way this item could have broke was if the box was crushed.

Times like this makes you want to never ship anything

Being in this situation, the buyer ultimately will be compensated by Paypal. How it works although seeming unfair, you will refund the buyer and get reimbursed by UPS
UPS I find is Very good with claims and will pay you

TheFunnyFarm · Jan 18, 2024

I haven’t had firsthand experience with this, but double check the insurance terms regarding live animals.

I’ve read on online retailers terms and conditions that live animal insurance is a separate policy.

CasperOe · Jan 18, 2024

TheFunnyFarm said:
I haven’t had firsthand experience with this, but double check the insurance terms regarding live animals.

I’ve read on online retailers terms and conditions that live animal insurance is a separate policy.

Nothing about live animals here- or did I miss anything?

TheFunnyFarm · Jan 18, 2024

CasperOe said:
Nothing about live animals here- or did I miss anything?

No, apparently I was the one who read to far into it

GlassMunky · Jan 18, 2024

riche said:
If selling something and the Item was damaged during shipping, am I responsible to refund the buyer? The package was insured and a file was claimed

The buyer seems to be working with me but he did say that he might contact Paypal and claim it was was damaged

I did everything right, wrapped it in 3 layers of bubble wrap and some how it still broke.

I have had a issue with fedex one time and they wouldnt pay the claim as they said the Box didnt have the correct info on for shipping what ever that was supposed to mean. I always thought a cardboard box was just that a cardboard box?

This issue was with USPS, and the only way this item could have broke was if the box was crushed.

Times like this makes you want to never ship anything

Yes it’s 100% on you.

You’re the seller, you’re the one who will get refunded via the insurance. That’s how you’re getting covered to make it not a loss.

Reefer Matt · Jan 18, 2024

riche said:
If selling something and the Item was damaged during shipping, am I responsible to refund the buyer? The package was insured and a file was claimed

The buyer seems to be working with me but he did say that he might contact Paypal and claim it was was damaged

I did everything right, wrapped it in 3 layers of bubble wrap and some how it still broke.

I have had a issue with fedex one time and they wouldnt pay the claim as they said the Box didnt have the correct info on for shipping what ever that was supposed to mean. I always thought a cardboard box was just that a cardboard box?

This issue was with USPS, and the only way this item could have broke was if the box was crushed.

Times like this makes you want to never ship anything

Who filed the insurance claim? You or buyer?

File a USPS Claim: Domestic | USPS

Find out how to file an insurance claim to get compensation if your insured USPS package was lost, damaged, or had broken or missing pieces.

www.usps.com

riche · Jan 18, 2024

The claim has been filed, just wondering how USPS is about covering damage? I know they have a hard time even getting a package from Point A to Point B

CasperOe · Jan 18, 2024

riche said:
The claim has been filed, just wondering how USPS is about covering damage? I know they have a hard time even getting a package from Point A to Point B

You'll get back whatever value it was ensured for I suppose

GlassMunky · Jan 18, 2024

riche said:
The claim has been filed, just wondering how USPS is about covering damage? I know they have a hard time even getting a package from Point A to Point B

Depends what the item was and how well it was packaged.
I’ve had them fully cover the cost of something damaged and I’ve also had them say “no, it wasn’t packaged properly” or “we don’t think it’s valued at that and found this comparable item so here’s X amount that we find to be of decent substitution”

exnisstech · Jan 18, 2024

riche said:
This issue was with USPS, and the only way this item could have broke was if the box was crushed.

Was the box crushed?

riche said:
I did everything right, wrapped it in 3 layers of bubble wrap and some how it still broke

If the box was not crushed but the item broken then I'd say its on you 100%. Box crushed usps but hopefully someone can provide evidence. If I receive an item with damgaged packaging I take picture before I even bring it into the house.

mfinn · Jan 18, 2024

riche said:
If selling something and the Item was damaged during shipping, am I responsible to refund the buyer? The package was insured and a file was claimed

The buyer seems to be working with me but he did say that he might contact Paypal and claim it was was damaged

I did everything right, wrapped it in 3 layers of bubble wrap and some how it still broke.

I have had a issue with fedex one time and they wouldnt pay the claim as they said the Box didnt have the correct info on for shipping what ever that was supposed to mean. I always thought a cardboard box was just that a cardboard box?

This issue was with USPS, and the only way this item could have broke was if the box was crushed.

Times like this makes you want to never ship anything

The buyer has 2 options. File with PayPal or wait and you refund him the money. The timeline on that is between the 2 of you.
You have to file a claim with the shipping company to get your money back.

riche · Jan 18, 2024

Reefer Matt said:
Who filed the insurance claim? You or buyer?

File a USPS Claim: Domestic | USPS

Find out how to file an insurance claim to get compensation if your insured USPS package was lost, damaged, or had broken or missing pieces.

www.usps.com

I did

Reefer Matt · Jan 18, 2024

riche said:
I did

Ok. Yeah, you can refund the buyer or they may file a claim with the payment processor anyway. I don’t ship anymore because of things like this myself. People can also keep the item and get their money back way too easily now too regardless if it is damaged or not. Usually shipping costs are not refunded to the buyer unless you stated it was free shipping. Then you have to jump through the hoops with usps to get reimbursed.