Insuring USPS / UPS Shipments

[Jignpop]

A few years back I had to file a claim usps. I had no problems.It was a fishing rod that was lost in shipping.Was paid in full.It was a gloomis rod. $300.

 

[Brummie]

The couple of times I have lost USPS packages, they were insured and the insurance proved to be a complete waste of time and money. On one occasion, the package was marked delivered even though I never received anything (and I know for a fact several occasions where tracked packages have been marked "delivered" or "delivery attempted, notification left" when neither has occurred - typically they are delivered a day or two later). On another they refused to accept that the contents of the package were worth what they were insured for (basically if you are sending something that you already own - e.g. sending an existing knife to a sheathmaker - so you don't have a contemporary purchase receipt, they will not accept that it has any value).

Both of these are scams - if an insurance claim can be avoided by simply stating that the package was delivered, then USPS never have to accept a claim. And if I insure a specific object for a specific amount, then I am declaring that that is the value of that object - if USPS aren't willing to accept that that is the value, they should not sell me insurance for that amount.

As a result, I feel USPS insurance only functions to add insult to injury and I won't pay for it out of choice.

 

[gonebad395]

The couple of times I have lost USPS packages, they were insured and the insurance proved to be a complete waste of time and money. On one occasion, the package was marked delivered even though I never received anything (and I know for a fact several occasions where tracked packages have been marked "delivered" or "delivery attempted, notification left" when neither has occurred - typically they are delivered a day or two later). On another they refused to accept that the contents of the package were worth what they were insured for (basically if you are sending something that you already own - e.g. sending an existing knife to a sheathmaker - so you don't have a contemporary purchase receipt, they will not accept that it has any value).

Both of these are scams - if an insurance claim can be avoided by simply stating that the package was delivered, then USPS never have to accept a claim. And if I insure a specific object for a specific amount, then I am declaring that that is the value of that object - if USPS aren't willing to accept that that is the value, they should not sell me insurance for that amount.

As a result, I feel USPS insurance only functions to add insult to injury and I won't pay for it out of choice.

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Lol what he said lmao melt down

Asdf not brum

 

[mdgspmer]

Insurance without signature confirmation is worthless. It only covers damaged merchandise. If a USPS package shows delivered and the customer says they did not get it, your only proof is signature confirmation. This covers you with Paypal, USPS and probably all shippers. Anything over $250 should always have signature. It may be a pain for the customer or buyer, but it actually protects both parties....

 

[Monofletch]

Insurance without signature confirmation is worthless. It only covers damaged merchandise. If a USPS package shows delivered and the customer says they did not get it, your only proof is signature confirmation. This covers you with Paypal, USPS and probably all shippers. Anything over $250 should always have signature. It may be a pain for the customer or buyer, but it actually protects both parties....

If it's scanned "delivered" and not recieved the usps can check the GEO location of that package. If it doesn't show the correct address then it is a misdelivery- and your claim will be paid if the package isn 't recovered

 

[Monofletch]

The couple of times I have lost USPS packages, they were insured and the insurance proved to be a complete waste of time and money. On one occasion, the package was marked delivered even though I never received anything (and I know for a fact several occasions where tracked packages have been marked "delivered" or "delivery attempted, notification left" when neither has occurred - typically they are delivered a day or two later). On another they refused to accept that the contents of the package were worth what they were insured for (basically if you are sending something that you already own - e.g. sending an existing knife to a sheathmaker - so you don't have a contemporary purchase receipt, they will not accept that it has any value).

Both of these are scams - if an insurance claim can be avoided by simply stating that the package was delivered, then USPS never have to accept a claim. And if I insure a specific object for a specific amount, then I am declaring that that is the value of that object - if USPS aren't willing to accept that that is the value, they should not sell me insurance for that amount.

As a result, I feel USPS insurance only functions to add insult to injury and I won't pay for it out of choice.

You can always get a written estimate from your local dealer. ...or the knife maker. The original sales receipt isn't the only form of proof of value that the post office will accept. It sounds like some mis communication.

 

[Vaporstang]

Follow up question: I often see listings where the seller posts if you (the buyer) want insurance you need to pay extra. Do you just ignore it and let the seller take the risk unknowingly? Or try to set them straight?

I've had two occasions where this happened on a purchase. One the knife was under $150 so I just ignored it. The second time I actually added some money for insurance because I was getting a good deal and wanted to help them out. I did explain to that person that it protects the seller.

I'm thinking from now on when purchasing I am just going to say that i don't want any insurance as it protects the seller.

 

[benchwarmer380]

Follow up question: I often see listings where the seller posts if you (the buyer) want insurance you need to pay extra. Do you just ignore it and let the seller take the risk unknowingly? Or try to set them straight?

From what I've seen, that is usually preceded or followed by a statement like "I am not responsible etc." They are either ignorant to the fact that they are responsible for the shipped package or they just don't really care. Either way, and along with PayPal Gift or add X% for Goods, that is my cue to hit the back button and check out other threads.

If wanted an item bad enough I'd probably start a dialogue and try to negotiate their terms that I don't agree with, though it hasn't happened yet. Plenty of other knives and sellers out there.

 

[craytab]

Benchwarmer has the right idea on hitting the back button. That is what I would do most of the time. Any person who accepts a paypal goods payment waves their right to dictate terms. The terms are what they agreed to with paypal. I have done a transaction with a couple sellers who said such a thing. I ignored what they said because I knew the actual terms of the sale and the item was well worth the risk of dealing with a person so ignorant. And to that, as a seller I have also done a couple deals that would put me in a situation very similar. The difference is I knew the facts of the situation. I had done deals with the folks previously or I have seen them around the forums and knew they presented themselves as honorable. I also insured the heck out of my packages and included signature confirmation (no packages disappearing from doorsteps). In other words I reduced my risk to a very small degree. There was still a tiny bit of risk though. That is the thing about the knife game. There is always risk in buying and selling. However, you can reduce that risk quite a bit with a few simple things including spending that extra couple bucks for insurance.

 

[Monofletch]

Also, isn't it forum rule that the seller IS responsible for getting the package to the buyer??

 

[choombak]

Also, isn't it forum rule that the seller IS responsible for getting the package to the buyer??

From what I understand, it's more of an etiquette, than a rule. I have encountered good sellers on both sides - those who will accept responsibility 100%, and those who will absolve themselves as soon as the package is handed over to USPS.

 

[choombak]

Benchwarmer has the right idea on hitting the back button. That is what I would do most of the time. Any person who accepts a paypal goods payment waves their right to dictate terms. The terms are what they agreed to with paypal. I have done a transaction with a couple sellers who said such a thing. I ignored what they said because I knew the actual terms of the sale and the item was well worth the risk of dealing with a person so ignorant. And to that, as a seller I have also done a couple deals that would put me in a situation very similar. The difference is I knew the facts of the situation. I had done deals with the folks previously or I have seen them around the forums and knew they presented themselves as honorable. I also insured the heck out of my packages and included signature confirmation (no packages disappearing from doorsteps). In other words I reduced my risk to a very small degree. There was still a tiny bit of risk though. That is the thing about the knife game. There is always risk in buying and selling. However, you can reduce that risk quite a bit with a few simple things including spending that extra couple bucks for insurance.

Respectfully disagree here - PayPal only guides payment terms, not the entire transaction. And paypal disputes don't always end up in favor of the buyer, especially a malicious one.

 

[craytab]

Respectfully disagree here - PayPal only guides payment terms, not the entire transaction. And paypal disputes don't always end up in favor of the buyer, especially a malicious one.

You can disagree all you want with paypal but their terms are firmly stated and by using their service one has already agreed to them. Disputing with paypal will get expensive quick. Likely far more expensive than the item.

However, folks who deal with honor and intelligence here will never need paypal's assistance in solving a disagreement. Reputation should be worth more than any knife.

 

[Lone_Wolfe]

From what I understand, its more of an etiquette, than a rule. I have encountered good sellers on both sides - those who will accept responsibility 100%, and those who will absolve themselves as soon as the package is handed over to USPS.

From the rules...

If you choose not to use insurance to save money, any repercussions will fall on you (Shipper). Insurance is there to protect you, use it.

Once you take someone's money for a knife, that knife doesn't belong to you anymore. You're merely the custodian, and it's your responsibility to get it to it's rightful owner.

 

[Monofletch]

From the rules...




Once you take someone's money for a knife, that knife doesn't belong to you anymore. You're merely the custodian, and it's your responsibility to get it to it's rightful owner.

Exactly what I thought! Great post!

 

[Corytr]

I sold an item recently on BF and the tracking says "acceptance" in a completely different zip code than the PO I dropped it off at. It should have been in the buyers hands Saturday. I called USPS today and they were less than helpful. Thank God for insurance or I would be freaking out right now. The buyer is understanding, but this sucks! As far as I am concerned, it is my duty to make sure it gets to the buyer. If that means I have to refund him and open a claim, that's what will happen.

https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction_input?qtc_tLabels1=9405909699939703582750

 

[Peter Hartwig]

I sold an item recently on BF and the tracking says "acceptance" in a completely different zip code than the PO I dropped it off at. It should have been in the buyers hands Saturday. I called USPS today and they were less than helpful. Thank God for insurance or I would be freaking out right now. The buyer is understanding, but this sucks! As far as I am concerned, it is my duty to make sure it gets to the buyer. If that means I have to refund him and open a claim, that's what will happen.

https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction_input?qtc_tLabels1=9405909699939703582750

It may help to go to the PO in person. That is the way I have always done follow ups. It isn't fast, but they were polite and helpful. Things really don't get started with the PO until it has been missing 30 days. At that point they seem to have more resources to work with. They will do a lot of strange things with your packages, but if they aren't out right stolen, they seem to get there.

 

[Corytr]

Thanks! I'll head to the PO tomorrow to see if they have any answers (or even the package).

ETA - it finally made made it. A USPS debacle on this one.. A big thanks to Kalsu for the understanding!

 

[uofaengr]

What are your thoughts on insuring your knives you ship via USPS (or UPS for that matter)? I understands it protects the shipper (seller), but from what? Lost mail? or does it go beyond that. How hard is it to collect?

Also - do you insure for the new replacement cost? Selling cost? Collector value? Or enough to take out some of the sting - for example insuring a $400 knife for $200 and risking $200.

Thanks!

(Mods - Hopefully this is in the right section - please move if not- thanks.)

I typically insure anything over $200. It's really not that much extra just like signature confirmation is absolutely worth the $3. Fortunately I've never had to use it. I insure for the selling price since that's what I'd be refunding to the buyer. I spent about $15 the other day shipping a $350 knife, and it's worth it IMO. I want the buyer to have peace of mind too with it being insured, well packaged, and having to be signed for, that I want to do everything possible to ensure their knife gets to them as securely as possible. It's a hobby for me, not a money making venture.