Some Tips on UPS claims

Jeff, definitely file a claim in court (small claims) and that will get you a *definite* timeline to get it resolved. In fact, that should be the first step, file it the same day you file the claim with UPS/FedEx/etc. usually what happens is you get a check a few days before the court date. Also, I'd hassle them daily on their 800#, if it was me. Be the biggest PITA you can - that's how things get done, it seems.

-Ed
(lucky so far, no real damages that haven't been covered eventually)

I bought a receiver off Ebay and it arrived bent and busted up. Fed Ex sez that it may look a bit banged up (buttons smashed off the face plate, handles bent) but probably works just fine so....no settlement. I suppose the next step is sueing them, the before and after pictures speak volumes. And yes, I want the insured amount PLUS shipping, no reason why I should pay for them to use my package as a soccer ball. There ought to be an additional amount awarded for time and frustration having to deal with these clowns that sell you insurance, yet won't honor claims. I often wonder why I pay for insurance, then it dawns on me when they actually lose a package I'll be glad I did. Sure doesn't protect you from damage they inflict on your stuff.

I have heard that if after you receive something from UPS or Fedex, and there is an operational problem, like a buzz or noise, from dropping or jarring the box, UPS will not cover it. My understanding is that there must be viewable physical damage to the unit and the box. If the box is intact, and some internal components end up malfunctioning from the jarring or dropping they do, you are out of luck. That pretty much sucks.

I have a question. If an item is damaged in shipping, shouldn't you also get the cost of shipping refunded by the shipping company as well as the value of the item. After all they did not successfully ship the item undamaged. This would be if the item was a complete loss. If you replace the item by mail, it will cost anew to have it shipped.

Have the item shipped FROM you, and TO you. (use the sellers address but your name) That way if there is a claim, you don't have to depend on the performance of the shipper to get the claim settled.

Excellent advice. My own experience on a UPS claim confirms it. In my case the claim was not denied--I should hope not, given that it was a Linn LP12 in its original double-boxed, styrofoam block, and all that in _another_ box. However it took three months and many many calls and letters to actually get a claims inspector to come and see it. The other difficult aspect of this business was dealing with the seller, who was required to actually make the claim and then remit me the settlement. I can only concur that it is an excellent idea to settle details like the total insured value and how much of any settlement goes to the buyer (IMO, _all_ of it !!), _before_ the item is paid for and shipped.

Very good points, all of them. I just went through the process successfully with Fed Ex Ground, and would just like to amplify the persistent recommendation. I was on the phone with them 2 times a week, and sent 4 fax letters. I had the check within a month. I think they were tired of my badgering. BTW, I'll never list anything as 10/10 again, bad luck. I've sold many pieces of equipment on Agon, and I'm usually told I underate the units. I finally had a complete cherry, everything as new, listed it 10/10, a first for me, and Fed Ex Ground broke it. I didn't need the original receipt of purchase. I was the seller, so I needed a photocopy of the cancelled check that I refunded the buyer with, front and back, to prove how much the item was worth. What you insure it for doesn't matter. So if you sell a item for $1k, only insure it for $1k, you will not get a penny more than you can prove you got for it. I used to overinsure by about 5% to make up for shipping and other expenses, but I won't anymore.

John