posted on January 23, 2001 04:19:20 PM
Anyone have any thoughts on uninsured items lost by the P.O and having to issue full refunds. What's behind the thought that as a seller I have to issue a full refund to a buyer who chose not to insure their item? Item was mailed on Jan 2nd via priority, have postal receipt that indicates it was mailed to the correct zip code (I know that this isn't the proof that it was sent to the correct street address), now buyer is threatening me since the item hasn't arrived yet.
Do buyers expect to get a full refund on items they don't insure, even though my end of auction notice states that if it's lost, we're not responsible? Trying to save buyers extra expense by not requiring insurance only ends up costing me extra.
posted on January 23, 2001 04:24:52 PM
Unfortunately, according to the law, the SELLER is responsible for the delivery of the item to the buyer. Even if the buyer did not request insurance. The only way around it is to REQUIRE insurance, and if the buyer specifically states that he does not want to purchase insurance, you are off the hook. But, be sure to have an e-mail from them stating that they decline insurance, and understand that you will not be responsible if the item is lost or stolen. You must STILL keep proof of shipment to prove you mailed your item.
posted on January 23, 2001 04:36:51 PM
"Item was mailed on Jan 2nd via priority, have postal receipt that indicates it was mailed to the correct zip code"
JANUARY SECOND!!!!
It is WAY TOO EARLY to start threatening lawsuits and issuing refunds. File a "lost mail" form and the USPS will do a search of all the likely places it could be ... and I bet it's sitting in the recipient's post office behind a mail cart.
One nice thing about the lost mail form is that the recipient has to sign a VERY LEGAL form swearing they did not get the package, with penalties for perjury.
posted on January 23, 2001 05:40:46 PM
Seller is responsible to deliver the stuff, but not enough time has passed. It will most likely show up.
Your goal is to get buyer on your side. There is some chance that it was delivered and has been lost; it's very much in your best interest to avoid any kind of hostility.
In particular, the slightest hint that buyer is lying about receiving the package could be devastating to your cause.
