Post #64049 by SugarCaddyDaddy on Tue, Dec 9, 2003 3:17 PM

This is a tough call.

Technically, if the buyer did not opt for insurance, the buyer takes the risk, and the seller would not be liable. The thing is, is that some sellers do give in to claims from buyers for fear of receiving a negative on their feedback, thus refunding the buyers money.

Personally, I NEVER send any item out I sell without Delivery Confirmation. It is paid for by the buyer (only 45/55 cents, price depending on if you use media, parcel or priority) and is automatically added to the cost of the shipping quote I give. This gives some peace of mind as to delivery, but does not cover for damage or loss. That is where the Insurance comes in. Of course, insurance is always an optional, added fee (starting at $1.30 and up), but does cover the actual cost of the item if it were lost or damaged by the postal service, and is paid for by the buyer.

If you don't want to haggle over this buyers claim and want to keep clear of a negative on your feedback, you may want to consider giving the person their money, either whole or in part, and from now on add Delivery Confirmation to all outgoing shipments, and keep insurance as a buyers option.

If you don't refund the buyer, you are still not technically liable (although you have no actual proof for THEM that you actually sent the package out).

That is why this can be a tough call.

Oh, and if you can remember, put a second copy of the address label INSIDE your packages too, since labels can rip off during transit. When the post office has a package in transit that has no label on it, then it is sent to another department (The Recovery Center) that actually opens up your package to determine either it's destination or origination. If you don't have any info inside, then The Recovery Unit determines if the price is above or below $10. If under $10, the item is trashed..literally. If it is over $10, then it is then put up for Postal auction, which happens around the U.S. anywhere between 4 to 8 times a year. For those wondering where & when you can check http://www.usps.com/auctions . Ok, I gave up one of my (sort of) secret place, but oh well...

Back to the program, if it were me: bite the bullet, refund the money (by money order), after at least 4 weeks have gone by like TheJab mentioned, and include Delivery Confirmation on all future sales with insurance as the added option and a disclaimer if insurance is not taken.

Just my 2 coconuts worth.

Enter The SoCal Hoity Toity Schedule

[ Edited by: SugarCaddyDaddy on 2003-12-09 15:23 ]