posted on February 16, 2003 08:50:36 PM new
I recently sold a lamp to a buyer who purchased insurance on the shipping. In the item description, I indicated that the lamp had a crack in the porcelian base. The seller, (22 feedback) has emailed me stating there is a crack in the lamp. I already know this. She didn't say that the box was damaged or anything of that nature.
She wants the insurance slip to process the claim. I have never done this before, and I'm not really sure on how to do it, or how long it will take. The lamp was under 20.00. I don't know if the PO will deny the claim if the box isn't damaged or what. Please help me on this one.
posted on February 16, 2003 09:10:56 PM new
Send her the slip. Keep a copy for yourself. She can start the claim and the paperwork will be forwarded to you for completion. When you send the paperwork back to the Post Office, enclose a printout of your description. It's up to the P.O. to determine whether the damage she is claiming was pre-existing or if it is new damage.
The light at the end of the tunnel will turn out to be an oncoming train.
posted on February 16, 2003 09:13:34 PM new
Here's what I would do...
I would remind her that the original auction description stated that the lamp was cracked and ask if there is further damage to the lamp that may have happened during transit. If so, then send her the insurance slip and let her deal with the Post Office. If not, tell her that there are no grounds for the claim since the lamp was cracked when shipped. She may have overlooked the little tidbid about the crack, or may be trying to scam the Post Office. Who knows!?!
Good luck!
posted on February 16, 2003 09:15:23 PM new
Here is the USPS "how to file an insurance claim" information page.
http://www.usps.com/receive/howtofileinsuranceclaims/welcome.htm
I had my first package go missing this week, in 4 years of sales, and it only went across town!
posted on February 17, 2003 12:40:33 AM new
Have her send you a photo of what she thinks the damage is. If it is the same crack that was on the lamp when you shipped, then refuse to go through the insurance process. It will be a big waste of your time, because the post office will deny the claim.
If she is unhappy, have her mail the lamp back to you and refund her the costs. Truthfully, it is better not to sell items on eBay that have damage, unless it is real rare and old. Buyers don't read the full text of the auction, and this is the outscome, what you are experiencing now.
It is better to make the customer happy. That way you can both sleep at night.
posted on February 17, 2003 12:47:28 AM new
When I filed for mine for my buyer, I had to give a copy of eBays Auction page of the article to show description and final value. Since I had the green copy I filed the insurance form, but if you think that she is just trying to recoop her money because of the damage that you described maybe then I would let your buyer file for it. Send a copy of the insurance form and you keep the green one. That is what I would do.
posted on February 17, 2003 06:47:26 AM new
libra,
that green insurance slip has to be presented to the post office,seller cannot keep that sheet.
since it is only 20 dollars,buyer can take the whole deal to the counter and get the money right there,so seller may as well get the form,sign his end and include green slip and an invoice with company heading .
i would leave ebay out of this.
but the buyer sounds like she is trying to get the lamp for just the shipping cost.
