posted on December 27, 2001 05:44:26 AM new
I looked over the U-Pic site AW links to for purchasing shipping insurance on-line, but it appears they require the recipient's telephone number. To the best of my knowledge, this is never disclosed to the seller in an eBay transaction, so I fail to see how the service can be used at all.
I like the concept of purchasing parcel insurance on-line, but requiring information not in one's possession seems like an insurmountable roadblock. Does anyone else have any info to share or recommendations to offer? Other than standing in line, what works for you?
posted on December 27, 2001 08:11:40 AM new
I've been using PIC (used to be U-PIC) for over a year now, and have never had to give out a recipient's telephone number, even when making a claim. If they've changed the rules, it's news to me. I've had nothing but excellent experiences with this company.
posted on December 27, 2001 09:18:17 AM new
Thanks for replying, I'm glad to hear your experiences have been positive. However, I'm assuming you haven't tried Priority Mail insurance lately.
U-Pic's home page says: "Did you know that U-PIC charges a flat $.50 (fifty cents) for each transaction? Did you know that if you insure USPS Priority Mail shipments, you are required to provide the phone number of the party receiving your shipment? Check out other important facts about ordering insurance online on our Online Ordering FAQ." Naturally, if you do what they ask and go to the FAQ page, they say absolutely nothing about it.
So I tried their on-line demo, and when you get to the "Other Party" form, it says: "In order for this product to be insured, you must provide the name and phone of the other party in your transaction. For example, if you are the shipper you would add the consignee's name and phone number in the other party fields. If you are the consignee, place the shipper's information in the fields. Your claim will not be honored until the other party confirms the specifics of the claim."
Hence, my hesitation despite your good recommendation. I'll give it a try later today and see what happens.
posted on December 27, 2001 09:49:31 AM new
Two things:
1. a) If the seller/winner use eBay's checkout, there the phone number is providd from the winner's eBay profile.
b) If you use AW's WBN there is now a field for the winner to supply the phone number. You don't see it in the display (you actually have to edit the WBN to see it).
2. Here's what the USPS doc has to say about insurance:
Protect your merchandise from the unexpected.
Peace of mind starting at only $.85.
For items insured for $50 or less, use PS Form 3813.
For items insured for more than $50, use PS Form 3813-P.
If you look at either one of these forms (both of which can be used with Priority Mail), there is NO FIELD for the recipient's phone number.
The postal service only uses the address.
The information on the web site you went to is just >not< correct.
Hope that helps!
[ edited by kahml on Dec 27, 2001 09:50 AM ]
posted on December 27, 2001 10:16:39 AM new
Um... I'm not sure if it helps or not. If the information on the U-Pic site is wrong, then I'd be nuts to trust them to do anything else right. If it's correct, then this raises the question: why would they want the phone number when the post office doesn't? I tried calling them, they've all gone to Bermuda...
Your info about how to get a buyer's phone number from eBay Checkout and/or AW/WBN was very helpful, however, and I do thank you for posting it.
