"I'm not responsible once the package leaves my hands"

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pwrdbycotn

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I have noticed that several sellers here in the various exchanges say something to the effect of "I'm not responsible for the package once it leaves my hands" or "I won't be held responsible for lost or damaged packages". Some even go so far as to state that it is up to the buyer to add money if he/she wants insurance added to the package. The biggest problem with these sellers is that they are asking for Paypal as payment. Per Paypal's User Agreement, a seller is responsible for getting an item to the buyer as it is described in the ad. This means that the seller is 100% responsible if the package is lost, damaged, etc. Not the buyer! The paypal user agreement can be found here https://www.paypal.com/us/webapps/mpp/ua/useragreement-full#11
I'm sure that these sellers have always had great luck with whatever shipping service they choose, but some day they may be shocked to learn that, indeed, they are responsible for the package, even after it leaves their hands. It is up to the seller to add insurance to the package or self-insure.
I'm certainly not wanting to call out any particular members or ruffle any feathers, I just thought that it should be pointed out that if paypal is going to be the payment method, then the seller is on the hook until the package arrives safely to the buyer.

Edit: I am referring to US sales specifically and only. I know that international shipments can get confusing and frustrating.
 
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Couldn't have said it better myself! A few members that specifically list this insane statement in sales threads come to mind! They couldn't be more mistaken....


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I'd be interested to hear how PP actually handled the case. You are making a separate agreement between the parties, and I don't know if PP would honor that or revert to their policy. I would like to hear how a case turned out. The insurance is a different matter. It is for the seller and pay them or not the seller is still on the hook.
Personally I skip these sales. They just signal avoid to me.
Of course if the buyer in this situation was totally honest, they would abide by what they agreed to with the seller and never file a PP claim. That is usually how it goes with international buyers that agree to such statements.
 
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I know most of it is a lack of understanding, but they are setting themselves up for a rude awakening.
 
I actually passed up on buying a knife recently only because of this BS in a sale thread.
 
I think quite a few folks just paste layer after luayer of boilerplate they've seen online without connecting the dots. It's a paper mache of disclaimers that contradict each other.
 
Oh well, some of them may very well be in for a very rude awakening. I always insure and make sure to use signature receipt upon delivery. I also make sure I communicate this in advance to the buyer so they are aware they will need to sign for the package. They can always pick it up a day later if need be, but this helps to ensure there are no issues. It cost a bit more, but in the long run its worth it to me. I also ensure they are aware up front that I will only ship to a verified PayPal Address. PayPal is a very buyer friendly service, not unlike eBay. If you don't follow the rules you may get lucky, but when something goes wrong you'll have to pay the consequences. Besides if I want to be able to continue to sell its in my best interest to maintain a good reputation. Its extremely hard to fix that once that's been compromised.
 
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Dddrees said:
Oh well, some of them may very well be in for a very rude awakening. I always insure and make sure to use signature receipt upon delivery. I also make sure I communicate this in advance to the buyer so they are aware they will need to sign for the package. They can always pick it up a day later if need be, but this helps to ensure there are no issues. It cost a bit more, but in the long run its worth it to me.
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I believe you need that signature receipt for PP . It used to be that priority payment (over $200) would come with one. Now I don't think they do until over $500 & I have to remember to buy it. I have forgotten a few times.
 
You only need signature receipt if the value is over $750, including shipping and taxes.
 
Peter Hartwig said:
I believe you need that signature receipt for PP . It used to be that priority payment (over $200) would come with one. Now I don't think they do until over $500 & I have to remember to buy it. I have forgotten a few times.
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I've sold a few items for less and I still do it for those as well. I always request that the buyer send me an email once he has picked up the package and if they don't I'll send a follow up to ensure everything is Ok and they are happy as well. Communication is key, and so far fortunately I have had no issues. For me its not a business but like I said if I want to make sure they get what they paid for and I maintain my good name and continue to be able to sell. Most of my emails and responses are pretty canned by now anyway, so it really doesn't require that much work anyhow.
 
When I see that in a listing, I keep moving. Much like add 3-7% for PP fees, or even better, Family and Friends only...
Ironically it seems that many times all of these guidelines are listed together.
 
Corytr said:
Very true. It's a good idea for sure.
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Absolutely

I figure there are so many things that can possibly go wrong, but if I insure them and require signature receipt there's a much better chance there won't be any issues. But if the package does for some reason get lost I've taken all the possible precautions I can take and neither the buyer nor I will be out of any money. Also as the seller I feel that I have a lot more protection by going this route if the buyer makes a claim against me as well.
 
338375 said:
when i see that in a listing, i keep moving. Much like add 3-7% for pp fees, or even better, family and friends only...
Ironically it seems that many times all of these guidelines are listed together.
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exactly.
 
I skip those as well. I like the ones that say "You must be 18 years or older to purchase....". Why bother typing this stuff?
 
Same sentiments here as expressed above. I have always assumed I am responsible for getting the knife to the buyer and I expect the same when I have purchased something.
 
If a seller really doesn't want to be responsible once he ships, all he has to do is use Registered mail. :)
 
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