Question for Ebay Sellers Using UPS

[FergieTCat]

I have a question that the reps at UPS don't seem to understand.

I just finished an Ebay auction, final selling price $200. For UPS insurance purposes, is the declared value $200? Would a print out of my Ebay auction serve as the receipt?

I want to use UPS because some of their stores have a "Pack and Ship Promise." If they pack it and they ship it, they are completely responsible for reimbursement if any damage occurs. My buyer tells me that UPS will use "Insufficient packaging" to get out of paying a claim if you pack it yourself.

Thank you for any input.

[Andromeda9mm]

Hi there!

I can answer your question because 1 - I have done this very thing, and 2 - I WORK FOR EBAY. :)

Yes, you will want to declare your item for 200.00 in the event that UPS damages the package. If an item is over 250.00, eBay also requires that you make the package Signature Required.

Anyway, if UPS damages the package, the end of auction page will be used as the 'proof of value'. Then, you will be reimbursed from UPS.

I know this will also sound unbelievable, but I also worked for UPS for 5 years before coming over to eBay. so ... I'm kind of the shipping expert over here. ha ha ha.

But, that is not true about 'insufficient packaging'. Of course there are packaging guidelines, so make sure you follow those, but if you do have a damage AND they deny it, you can appeal. Almost 100% of the time you will win the appeal.

Anyway, hang on to my info you ever have a question. I can help you with anything eBay related.

Meredith in Utah

[FergieTCat]

Thank you!!!

I was going to have my firm's mailroom help me ship it, but my buyer was the one who brought up "insufficient packaging." Apparently, he's had bad luck with UPS in the past; according to him, an item arrived broken and UPS refused to pay the claim because they said the item wasn't packaged well. I was planning to submerse the thing in bubble wrap, but will put in the extra effort since there's a UPS store about 3 blocks from my job. It might cost extra, but I'll live.

Since the item is not easily replaced, I want to do my best to get it to North Carolina in one piece.

I try not to ship fragile things, and considering this is a Big Figure made of resin, I didn't think it was fragile. Apparently, I am sadly mistaken!

[Andromeda9mm]

You'll be fine. The UPS store does charge a premium, but you're right, they do have a 'shipping guarantee' ... and then if the item is damaged, THEY will have to file the claim and they will reimburse you directly, not UPS.

However, I'm sure it will be fine and you'll have no problem. :thumbsup:

Mer