posted on January 22, 2004 07:16:48 AM new
I guess I need to pay closer attention when things change I have been taking my packages to the PO when they need insurance and of course this is a real pain. Just looking for opinions on using insurance thru the PO vs. Stamps.com I have never had to file a claim thru the PO, so I have no background as to what is even involved. If you file through stamps.com, how is it investigated/resolved?
posted on January 22, 2004 10:02:54 AM new
Hi Ohio,
I use the insurance thru Stamps.com because it is cheaper and saves me a trip to the PO. I have not had to file a claim yet, but you can find claim instructions at their site. Click on "TIPS and TOOLS", then click on "Insurance".
With the USPS, the package and all contents including packaging materials must be returned to a PO counter.
[ edited by ltray on Jan 22, 2004 10:09 AM ]
posted on January 22, 2004 10:15:37 AM new
I'm with glassgrl -- I use UPIC on irreplaceable and more expensive items. Knock on wood, I haven't had a claim yet, so can't tell you what's involved. I do understand that the wait time for the USPS is long.
Without getting into a long debate over this (because there are definitely 2 diverse opinions) -- If you are doing this as a business, the insurance is for your benefit, not your clients'. You either owe them their item or their money back. If you don't deliver their item, you have to give them their money back. You CANNOT relinquish your responsibilities just because your buyer didn't pay you more.
That's the way our business is set up. If you're a personal seller and don't expect to profit from your efforts, then it's your word against theirs and you should just hope they don't call the police on you and claim you took their money and didn't deliver. You may have proof that you sent "something" to them, but....
Okay - sorry to take us down that road.
Wayne
Never explain -- Your friends do not need it and your enemies will not believe you anyway.
~ Elbert Hubbard
posted on January 22, 2004 10:16:01 AM new
okay, this is an ignorant question - does the burden fall on the buyer or seller if an item is not received?
posted on January 22, 2004 10:22:08 AM new
There is no such thing as an "ignorant " guestion...
But your question is a can of worms that has been discussed here before.
I ALWAYS ship with confirmation and insurance just to cover my butt. So far that has been sufficient to take care of anything that has happened. The 2 times I had buyers claim shipping damage or non-reciept, they both disappeared into the wood work when I sent them delivery confirmation info or asked them to take the item to the PO so a claim could be filed.
Plan for the worst case scenario, then expect the best to happen! You'll be covered on all fronts.
I use UPIC and have done so for over a year. I had a claim on a fairly expensive item that was shipped to the UK. NO PROBLEM. Sent them a signed letter from the buyer stating they did not receive the item along with my Paypal paid invoice and post office shipping receipt. Claim was paid in less than 3 weeks.
Cheaper than USPS. Your rates are based on stated volume. You can insure International shipments (Global Priority or Air Letter Post) without using the more expensive mailing methods. Easier to use and you can interface their insurance to Endica or Stamps.com
And no, I don't work for them, but I am sure happy with their service.
posted on January 22, 2004 12:28:22 PM new
ohiotreasurehunter - I guess the best way to answer your question of who is responsible, ask yourself this:
If I ordered something from someone and I never receive it, would I expect someone to make it right?
I have shopped online since 1996 and have yet to get stiffed by either a business or someone on eBay. That's the way it should be. I was just high bidder on a pricey negative scanner. Because of the possibility that seller ascribed to the opinion that if they shipped it and it didn't arrive -- oh well... I chose to pay with a credit card. That way, if it arrived DOA or never arrived at all, I'd go back to my credit card bank and they would probably reverse the charge. Now, I guess that opens a seller up to potential scams, but after reviewing the many potential possibilities, we choose to insure with U-Pic for international purchases and those over $40-50. All others, we self-assure (not insure, because it's illegal to offer insurance if you're not registered to do so within your state regulations). I assure that it will get their in the condition it was described.
After more than 340+ transactions, it seems to be working.
Wayne
Never explain -- Your friends do not need it and your enemies will not believe you anyway.
~ Elbert Hubbard
I have been taking my packages to the PO when they need insurance and of course this is a real pain. Just looking for opinions on using insurance thru the PO vs. Stamps.com I have never had to file a claim thru the PO, so I have no background as to what is even involved. If you file through stamps.com, how is it investigated/resolved?